Beginning at 12 a.m. on March 1, 2025, OWASA will temporarily alter its drinking water treatment process in accordance with state recommendations. This change will last throughout the month of March. Water will remain safe to drink, but customers may notice a slight change in the taste or odor of their drinking water. Taste and odor impacts should begin to go away in early April.
OWASA uses chloramines (a combination of chlorine and ammonia) to disinfect drinking water and the community’s water distribution system throughout most the year. Every March, however, we switch to using only chlorine for disinfection. This change will not affect the safety or quality of your drinking water.
This change to our drinking water treatment process is a standard practice to protect water quality throughout the year and is recommended by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. OWASA participates in this annual disinfection changeover in coordination with neighboring utilities.
Some customers may wish to neutralize the chlorine taste of their water during this change. To do this you can:
- Store water in an open container in the refrigerator to allow the chlorine to dissipate overtime. The chlorine will dissipate faster if you place the water container on the counter before placing in the refrigerator.
- Add a few lemon slices to a pitcher of water. The ascorbic acid in lemons will neutralize the chlorine.
- Filter water with an activated carbon filter, such as a Brita filter.
- Boil water for one minute to allow the chlorine to evaporate.
To ensure the chlorine adequately disinfects the entire system, OWASA crews will “flush” the system by releasing water from fire hydrants in our service area. Flushing may cause some discoloration to water. If you notice discoloration in your water, run the water for a few minutes until it becomes clear. If discoloration continues, please call OWASA at 919-968-4421.
Dialysis patients and aquarium owners should continue to take special precautions to remove traces of ammonia and chlorine from water prior to use. Additional information can be found on OWASA’s website at Water & Health – OWASA.
OWASA is Carrboro-Chapel Hill’s not-for-profit public service agency. Their diverse team works across the community to deliver high-quality water, reclaimed water, and wastewater services. They invest regularly to upgrade infrastructure and increase system resiliency. Together, with the community, OWASA conserves, protects, and sustains this vital resource.
If you have any questions or concerns about this change to OWASA’s drinking water treatment process, please contact the lab at the Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant at 919-537-4228 or email wtplaboratory@owasa.org.