Anyone in Tyler noticed the tap water has smelled like a swimming pool over the past week? I spoke to a former employee of the water treatment plant who explained to me whats going on. A bit of background info: Chlorine (bleach) is the main disinfectant used to remove bacteria, viruses and parasites from our water. This has almost completely eliminated waterborne diseases like typhoid fever, cholera, and dysentery. However, the reaction between chlorine and water creates disinfection by-products, such as Trihalomethanes, which are a much better alternative to dying of dysentery but can have carcinogenic effects if consumed over long periods of time. Because of this, ammonia is added to the process to convert the chlorine to chloramine. (Note: NEVER mix ammonia and bleach because it will make toxic chlorine and chloramine gas that will put you in the hospital.) The chloramine disinfectant is better than chlorine because it doesnt break down the natural organics present in the water that become trihalomethanes. But those natural organics build up in the pipes. So after a period of time, the water facilities remove the ammonia from the disinfecting process and revert back to a short stage of using chlorine to break down that buildup. Thats whats going on right now, but dont worry because soon well be back to drinking good old-fashioned chloramine water just like momma used to make.
Posted on: Sun, 26 Oct 2014 17:44:18 +0000
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