BOCA RATON – To maintain quality in the city’s water system, the Boca Raton Utility Services Department will temporarily modify the disinfection process used by the water treatment facility, city officials have announced.
It will last two weeks, and began Jan. 9.
During that time, the city will be using a somewhat stronger disinfection process to produce free chlorine residual instead of a chloramine residual. The change in the treatment will provide additional protection against bacteria and is being done in accordance with the city’s distribution system maintenance program.
Customers served by the Boca Utility Services Department may notice a slight chlorine taste or odor in the tap water during this period. However, these temporary conditions will not cause adverse health effects.
Users of home kidney dialysis machines, owners of tropical fish aquariums and managers of stores and restaurants with fish and shellfish holding tanks are advised that the methods for testing and removing free chlorine residuals differ from those used for chloramine residuals. Both types of residuals may adversely affect users of kidney dialysis machines and may be toxic to fish and aquatic animals if not treated properly. (Further Reading: Cloudy Water in Aquarium – How to Fix Your Hazy Aquarium)
The city encourages customers who may be affected by this change to seek professional advice.
The city will continue to flush fire hydrant systems during this period. Customers may notice flowing water in streets and swales, localized lower water pressures and a slight discoloration of their tap water. Again, these temporary conditions will not cause adverse health effects.
For further information, call Utility Services at 561-338-7310.