Temporary Change in Disinfectant Use
The South Texas Water Authority (STWA), which treated water from the City of Corpus
Christi will be temporarily converting to the use of free chlorine as a disinfectant. This is
as a result of the City of Corpus Christi performing a temporary modification to
its disinfection process.
Typically, chlorine in combination with ammonia (chloramination) is used for water
system disinfection. Starting March 6, 2017 and for 6 to 8 weeks, the City of Corpus
Christi will be using chlorine without the ammonia. This temporary change to free
chlorine disinfection is to maintain the condition of piping and to help ensure the delivery
of quality drinking water to customers.
Persons may notice a chlorine taste or odor in the tap water during the change. The
water is safe to drink, to use for cooking, to bathe in, and other uses. During this
time, sampling and testing to monitor the effectiveness of the temporary switch to free
chlorine will be done. Once the process is complete, the City of Corpus Christi will
return to use of chloramines (chlorine and ammonia) as a disinfectant.
This temporary change is being done in compliance with the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality’s (TCEQ) regulations. TCEQ, the agency that regulates water
quality, has approved this method for routine maintenance of potable water systems.
Users of home kidney dialysis machines, owners of tropical fish aquariums, and
managers of stores and restaurants with fish and shellfish holding tanks are advised
that the methods for testing and removing free chlorine residuals differ from those used
for chloramine residuals. Both types of residuals if not handled properly may affect
users of kidney dialysis machines, as well as fish and other aquatic animals. We
encourage customers who may be affected by this change to seek advice from
professionals.
If you have questions or would like additional information, please call the South Texas
Water Authority at 361-592-9323.