What is the annual maintenance of the water distribution system?
The Bell County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 (BCWCID1), temporarily converts the disinfectant in its water treatment process from chloramines to free chlorine. This annual conversion is routine maintenance for the water transmission and delivery systems.
This process is closely monitored to ensure full compliance with all state and federal drinking water standards, including those set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Can I drink the water during the free chlorine conversion?
Yes, the water is safe for all uses, including drinking, cooking, bathing, and washing. The water is also safe for infants and young children, including for mixing formula, though parents may prefer to use bottled water if they or their children are particularly sensitive to the taste or odor.
Why is the free chlorine conversion being conducted?
This is a standard and temporary procedure used to clean and maintain water distribution systems. To ensure the long-term safety and effectiveness of the water treatment process, annually, BCWCID1 switches from chloramine to free chlorine as the primary disinfectant.
Disinfection is a critical part of the water treatment process that keeps drinking water free of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses. Disinfection involves a two-step process that first treats the water at the treatment plant and then chloramine disinfectant (chlorine + ammonia) is added to maintain water quality. During the temporary change, BCWCID1 will suspend adding ammonia and use free chlorine to keep water disinfected as it travels through pipes.
BCWCID1 is coordinating with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality staff and local entities to implement a temporary disinfectant conversion to free chlorine to maintain the system and water quality.
When will the free chlorine conversion be conducted?
The free chlorine conversion is scheduled to take place February 1-28, 2025. If there are any changes in the duration of the conversion, the Fort Hood community and Cavalry Family Housing residents will be notified.
Who will be affected?
This will affect communities that receive water service from BCWCID1, which includes the cities of Belton, Copperas Cove, Killeen, Harker Heights as well as Bell County WCID 3 (Nolanville), 439 Water Supply Corporation and Fort Hood.
Is free chlorine water safe?
Yes, the water is safe for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Here are some tips for the Fort Hood community and Cavalry Family Housing residents:
- For Drinking and Cooking: Chill water in the refrigerator or add a slice of citrus (like lemon or lime) to improve taste. Alternatively, consider using a carbon-based water filter.
- For Bathing: If you or your family members have sensitive skin, consider shorter showers or using lukewarm water to minimize any potential irritation.
- For Pets and Babies: The water is safe for pets and for mixing baby formula. However, if you or your family members are highly sensitive, bottled or filtered water may be an option for these purposes.
- For Fish: Fish owners need to remove chlorine, ammonia and chloramines from the water before use with tropical fish. Local pet stores carry water conditioners that remove chloramines and free chlorine.
What precautions should fish owners take?
Like chloramines, free chlorine is toxic to fish. Fish owners need to remove chlorine, ammonia and chloramines from the water before use with tropical fish. Local pet stores carry water conditioners that remove chloramines and free chlorine.
Do the local or regional distribution systems have a bacteria problem?
There are no indications of bacteriological contamination problems. The flushing and disinfection program is designed to maintain distribution system water quality and minimize the potential for any future problem.
BCWCID1 continues to meet safe drinking water standards earning recognition from TCEQ as a Superior Public Water System. The annual water quality reports are posted online at www.wcid1.org
What is free chlorine?
Free chlorine is a slightly stronger disinfectant than chloramines, and can be used to remove more resistant organisms that may be found in the water distribution system.