Change From Free Chlorine To Chloramines

This is a copy of the letter from the City of Pearland notifying residents of a change in the cities drinking water. Although the change was inacted in March 2008, the notice was not mailed to residents until August of 2008.

On March 24, 2008, the city of Pearland changed the disinfectant that we use in the water system from chlorine gas to chloramines. This change is intended to benefit our customers by reducing the levels of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in the system, while still providing protection from waterborne disease.

However, the change to chloramines can cause problems to persons dependent on dialysis machines. A condition known as hemolytic anemia can occur if the disinfectant is not completely removed from the water that is used for the dialysatec. Consequently, the pretreatment scheme used for the dialysis units must include some means, such as a charcoal filter, for removing the chloramines. Medical facilities shouldalso determine ifadditional precautions are required for other medical equipment.

In addition, chloraminated water may be toxic to fish. If you have a fish tank, please make sure that the chemicals or filters that you are using are designed for use in water that has been treated with chloramines. You may also need to change the type of filter that you use for the fish tank.

If you have further questions about this change, please contact Derrick Thomas, Water Production Superintendent, at 281-652-1900.