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Jul 28, 2023

Yes, your city water (temporarily) smells like chlorine

First Name Email address: MANCHESTER, NH – Manchester Water Works recently performed a scheduled conversion of the disinfectant chloramine used in the city’s water treatment process to chlorine, as of

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MANCHESTER, NH – Manchester Water Works recently performed a scheduled conversion of the disinfectant chloramine used in the city’s water treatment process to chlorine, as of August 14, which will continue through October 2 (six weeks). During this time, you may notice a slight change in the taste and smell of your drinking water that has no harmful effects.

Periodically MWW switches the disinfectant from chloramine to chlorine for the maintenance of the city’s water distribution system. MWW will also conduct selective hydrant flushing to enhance water quality. This procedure is a common practice for many U.S. public water systems that use chloramine as a disinfectant and the practice is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which regulates the safe use of chlorine and chloramine.

MWW routinely collects and tests water samples to monitor for chloramine and chlorine levels throughout the distribution system and will continue to do so during this period. Should you notice a change in the taste or smell of chlorine, MWW recommends:

Individuals and business owners who take special precautions to remove chloramine from tap water, such as dialysis centers, medical facilities and aquatic pet owners, should continue to take the same precautions during the temporary switch to chlorine. Most methods for removing chloramine from tap water are effective in removing chlorine. Individuals with special health concerns should consult a healthcare provider on the use of tap water.