To ensure water quality year-round, it is a common practice to implement a two-part process that includes treatment modification and pipeline flushing. PBCWUD typically conducts a semiannual water system flush twice per year, and the dates and areas for the flush will be communicated to customers via mail with their bill, via email, on social media, on pbcwater.com,  and through local media announcements. 

For most of the year, chloramine is used for drinking water disinfection. During a short period each year, disinfection switches to free chlorine. This change is part of PBCWUD's annual program to maintain water quality through our distribution system. It’s a common water treatment practice industry-wide.

Free chlorine and chloramine are common disinfectants used to remove microbial contaminants (like bacteria) from raw water once it has been extracted from the ground. Disinfection occurs during the drinking water treatment process.

Chloramine is a water disinfectant. It provides long-lasting protection as water travels from the treatment plant to your home and is very effective in large distribution systems, such as PBCWUD’s.

During the Semiannual Water System Flush, you may notice PBCWUD out in your community conducting hydrant flushing. This is a common practice for many U.S water systems to bring freshly treated water to distant parts of the pipeline network. This process helps maintain healthy levels in all parts of the distribution network, which keeps the water safe to drink as it moves, sometimes miles from the treatment to your tap.

PBCWUD routinely collects and tests water samples to monitor for chloramine and chlorine levels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the safe use of chlorine and chloramine. For information on water quality visit: www.pbcwater.com/WaterQuality​

During the temporary switch, some customers may notice a stronger chlorine smell or taste in their drinking water. The taste and smell are not a health risk, and all levels continue to meet EPA standards. Follow PBCWUD on social media, sign up for our email newsletter at the bottom of this page here​, and visit our websit, pbcwater.com for more information each year on when the flushes will be scheduled. 

We recommend refrigerating tap water in an open pitcher. Within a few hours, the taste and odor will disappear.

Dialysis centers, medical facilities, and aquatic pet or tropical fish tank owners should take precautions during the temporary switch to chlorine. For questions regarding dialysis and the flush, please contact your physician or kidney dialysis center.

No. Contact your local pet store for the appropriate water treatment for fish tanks.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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