The City of Ormond Beach Utilities Division will temporarily modify the disinfectant used for the City’s potable (drinking) water system.

From November 26 to December 17, 2012, the water disinfection will be performed with free chlorine (a stronger disinfectant) rather than chloramines (a longer-lasting disinfectant comprised of combined chlorine-ammonia). This temporary disinfectant conversion, in conjunction with a coordinated flushing exercise, is a common practice for enhancing the effectiveness and reliability of disinfection in water distribution systems and is recommended by the Department of Environmental Protection for water utilities using chloramines as their primary disinfectant. The normal use of the chloramines disinfectant will resume upon completion.

During this time the water continues to be of the highest quality and totally safe to drink.

During this period, customers may experience a slight difference in the taste and odor of the water. Customers may also experience fluctuations in normal water pressure and/or color as a result of flushing activities scheduled near the beginning and end of this referenced period.

Customers on dialysis using proportioning machines to prepare dialysate are advised to contact their physician to obtain the appropriate steps to accommodate this change in water disinfectant use. Customers having fish tanks or aquatic species are advised to contact a professional aquarist to minimize any adverse effects on these items associated with chlorine.

Customers are asked to call the City of Ormond Beach Public Works Department at (386) 676-3230 with any questions concerning this temporary change in disinfection method and associated flushing.