The City’s ongoing Temporary Free Chlorine Conversion process is half finished, Water Utilities Director Terry Lauritsen said this week.
“We are at the mid-way point of our Temporary Free Chlorine Conversion, which got underway last month,” Lauritsen said. “We will run this temporary disinfectant system until Nov. 5, at which time we will switch back over to chloramines.”
The Temporary Free Chlorine Conversion involves temporarily switching from chloramines to free chlorine to disinfect the water system, which is necessary because lines were not flushed as they normally would have been due to ongoing drought conditions in the area.
“The process is a common industry standard and is routinely scheduled by some water providers using chloramine disinfection in an effort to ensure water quality throughout the distribution system,” Lauritsen said. “It involves switching from chloramines, which is what the City normally uses for disinfection, to free chlorine, which is a stronger and faster-acting disinfectant.”
Free chlorine conversion is endorsed and supported by both agencies that oversee water quality in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Department of Environment Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency.
“It is important to note that the water is safe to drink and use during the conversion process,” said Lauritsen.
Some Bartlesville residents may notice discolored water due to the process.
“The taste and odor of chlorine may be noticeable as each area is being flushed, and water discoloration may occur,” Lauritsen said. “If you notice this, please give us a call at the water shop, 918.338.4104, so we can come out and make sure everything is the way it’s supposed to be.”