The city of Rockwall has announced that the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) will undergo a temporary alteration in its water treatment process from March 4 through April 1, 2024. This annual, routine change aims to sustain the regional system and ensure year-round water quality for over two million customers across a 10-county region in North Texas within a 2,200-square-mile service area.
Disinfection is a crucial aspect of the water treatment process, safeguarding drinking water from harmful microorganisms like parasites and viruses. NTMWD employs a two-step process involving treatment at the plant followed by the addition of chloramine disinfectant (chlorine + ammonia) to maintain water quality as it traverses through pipelines. During the temporary transition, NTMWD will suspend ammonia addition and utilize free chlorine to disinfect the water as it travels through pipes. This preventive measure before summer aims to counteract potential bacterial growth, especially with rising temperatures. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency acknowledges this temporary conversion as a common practice among water providers using chloramines for disinfection. However, the absence of ammonia during this period might render the chlorine disinfectant more noticeable to some individuals. Simple measures such as refrigerating water overnight or adding citrus slices can mitigate taste, odor, or skin sensitivities. Additionally, a crushed 1000 mg Vitamin C tablet can neutralize chlorine in bathwater.
"Protection of public health and maintaining water safety are paramount," stated Zeke Campbell, NTMWD Assistant Director of Water Treatment and Conveyance. "This routine maintenance practice is integral to our advanced year-round treatment and disinfection process and does not escalate chlorine levels in the system. The water remains safe for consumption and everyday use, consistently meeting or surpassing safe drinking water standards."
NTMWD has implemented this temporary change in water disinfectant for over a decade, earning recognition from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) as a Superior Public Water System.
During this period, cities and districts served by NTMWD may facilitate the swift movement of chlorine-disinfected water through the system by flushing water from fire hydrants. This combined approach of transitioning to chlorine disinfectant and flushing pipes aids in maintaining system integrity and ensuring safe water supply year-round.
NTMWD conducts numerous daily tests in a state-certified laboratory to ensure water safety. Monthly and annual water quality reports, including results of tests conducted during system maintenance, are available online. Customers can access this information at www.ntmwd.com/water-testing/. Additionally, the TCEQ conducts routine sampling and testing in NTMWD and city distribution systems through an independent laboratory to verify water quality compliance with state and federal standards.
