The Trenton Municipal Utilities Water Treatment Plant will begin using free chlorine, or a free chlorine conversion, in its water system on Friday, April 10th.
Water disinfection involves feeding free chlorine, instead of chloramines, as the disinfectant leaving the water treatment plant. The process will last about three to six weeks and affect customers of TMU, Grundy County Public Water Supply District Number 1, cities of Galt and Spickard, and western Sullivan County.
TMU reports there are no associated health risks to the process in the efforts to improve water quality, and the water is safe to drink. The TMU Water Department is to monitor disinfectant levels during the conversion. It is noted an odor or taste to the water does not mean it is unsafe to drink. Odors are caused by the free chlorine disinfectant cleansing the system. TMU and/or water service will attempt to flush any possible particles, color, taste, and odor from the mains with directional flushing, but there is a possibility some will get into service lines. The nuisance problems should go away as work is completed. There may be times of lower water pressure.
TMU reports naturally present minerals and metals can increase, attach to pipe walls, release when there are changes in pressure, cause discoloration, and affect the taste. Other processes can also occur in the water distribution system, such as nitrification and biofilm growth. The biofilm can cause a reduction in the effectiveness of residual disinfectants over time. TMU notes the free chlorine conversion will help cleanse the pipe walls, reduce the occurrence of nitrification and biofilm, and ensure quality water is provided to customers.
The Water Distribution Department will begin flushing the water distribution system west of the railroad tracks starting Monday from 8 o’clock in the morning to 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Daily system flushing will be done until it is complete.
Questions and concerns should be directed to the TMU Water Treatment Plant at 660-359-3211.
