OWASA will complete its annual switch to using chlorine to disinfect drinking water and return to using chloramines at 12 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2023. However, customers may notice continued taste and odor in early-to-mid April because some water treated with chlorine remains in the water distribution system.
Throughout the year, OWASA uses a combination of chlorine and ammonia, known as chloramines, to disinfect drinking water. But, each March, we only use chlorine for the disinfection process. This change is only for the month of March and has no impact on the safety of the drinking water.
The change in treatment process is recommended by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and is standard practice among water providers, including neighboring utilities.
Dialysis patients and aquarium owners should continue to take special precautions to remove traces of ammonia and chlorine from the water prior to use. To learn more about the community’s water supply and treatment, visit www.owasa.org/water-health.
OWASA is Carrboro-Chapel Hill's not-for-profit public service agency. Our diverse team works across the community to deliver high-quality water, reclaimed water, and wastewater services. We invest regularly to upgrade infrastructure and increase system resiliency. Together, with the community, we conserve, protect, and sustain this vital resource. Learn more at owasa.org.
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