Coral Springs residents may soon taste chlorine in their water. Here’s why
Coral Springs will flush its water system across all four city water districts from July 13-27, city officials announced.
The process involves running chlorinated water through pipes that may have bacterial buildup and flushing the system via fire hydrants.
Water remains safe to drink and use for the vast majority of people during the process, which is performed annually in most cities around the United States.
But, there are some things residents should know ahead of the system flush:
Why is Coral Springs putting chlorine in my drinking water?
The chlorinated flushing process “minimizes the build-up of minerals and other sediments, affecting water quality and flow over time,” and provides an opportunity to verify that fire hydrants are working properly, the city said in a June 29 news release.
This follows other cities’ disinfection periods across Broward and Palm Beach counties.
An estimated 98% of cities in the United States use chlorine-based chemicals for water purification, according to the Chlorine Chemistry Council. The group includes chloramine, Coral Springs’ standard chemical, and free chlorine, the stronger, temporary alternative being used July 13-27.
What do I need to watch out for during chlorination period?
Residents may notice a mild chlorine taste or smell during the system flush, according to officials. Between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., residents might also see lower water pressure and temporary discoloration.
The process should not have any health impacts, but the city has encouraged residents to do the following:
- Ensure your water is clear before starting a load of laundry; additional sources recommend against using chlorine bleach during the two-week process
- Set aside water for drinking and cooking and check water clarity before use
If you are on dialysis or are sensitive to chlorine, contact your primary care provider for additional guidance.
Those with sensitive aquatic pets are also encouraged to take additional steps to ensure their health and safety. Officials recommend contacting your pet store for advice.
If you experience discolored water, run cold water in all of your faucets for approximately five to 10 minutes.
If conditions persist, or if you have additional questions, contact your water provider.
