Burnout by Sumner County Rural Water District No.1

October 21, 2024

Starting October 24, 2024, your water will be disinfected using free chlorine instead of chloramine. This change will allow us to cleanse the entire treatment and distribution systems more effectively. We have been facing challenges in maintaining a consistent chlorine residual, which can lead to nitrification and biofilm growth in water distribution pipes, reducing the effectiveness of disinfectants over time. The switch to free chlorine will help cleanse the lines, reduce the occurrence of nitrification and biofilm, and ensure that we provide high-quality water for our customers.

Is the water safe to drink? Yes, the water is safe to drink during this process, and boiling water is unnecessary. You may notice some discoloration or cloudiness in your water. The discoloration and cloudiness are harmless, and fire hydrant flushing should remove most colors and odors. If you encounter these differences in your water, you may want to let the water run through the tap until it runs clear. Some areas of town may also experience a temporary fluctuation in water pressure or a slight increase in the taste and odor of chlorine. Putting your water in the fridge will also help remove the chlorine taste and odor.

During this period, customers may notice open flush hydrants throughout the RWD. Hydrant flushing will ensure that the free chlorine reaches even the most distant connections within the distribution system during the free chlorine conversion. At the end of the free burn, the standard chemicals used for disinfection will be reintroduced to the system, returning to normal operating conditions. We anticipate the free chlorine burnout will last until December 1, 2024.

The Rural Water District appreciates your patience and understanding as we work hard today to provide you with quality drinking water tomorrow. If you experience any problems or have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to WaterWise Enterprises.