BOCA RATON – To maintain the water 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.
The city will be using a somewhat stronger disinfection process to produce free chlorine residual instead of a chloramine residual for a two-week period that began Nov. 4 and will end Nov. 18.
City officials said 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 Boca Raton Utility Services may notice a slight chlorine taste or odor in the tap water during this period. However, officials said, 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.
The city encourages customers who may be affected by this change to seek professional advice.
The city will continue to flush fire hydrants during this period. Customers may notice flowing water in streets and swales, localized lower water pressures and a slight discoloration of their tap water. Officials repeated that these are temporary conditions and will not cause adverse health effects.
For additional information, call Utility Services at 561-338-7310.