June 13, 2012:  To ensure that the City’s drinking water remains safe and compliant with all State and Federal water quality requirements, the City is required to implement preventive measures that are safe and approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).  As a result, the City is preparing to begin its water distribution line enhanced disinfection program on Monday, July 9, 2012 and will continue through Monday, July 23, 2012.

The City’s routine maintenance program will include a “system burn” which utilizes free chlorine as the primary disinfectant.  During this preventive maintenance activity, water customers may notice an increased chlorine odor and taste in their tap water.  This is a normal occurrence and will cause no adverse health effects. 

During this time period, customers with special needs should be aware of potential problems with their equipment and systems (e.g., kidney dialysis machines).   In addition, owners of tropical fish aquariums and holding tanks for fish and shellfish (i.e., stores and restaurants) should be aware that this temporary change in our disinfection process may be toxic to aquatic life if not properly addressed.  Any such side effects will diminish when the City reverts to the normal disinfection method on July 24, 2012.  Users are encouraged to contact an appropriate professional for guidance on how to use their equipment during this period. 

The City will also flush fire hydrants during this period as part of the enhanced disinfection procedure.  Customers may notice flowing water in streets and swales, localized lower water pressures and a slight discoloration of their tap water.  This is a safe and normal occurrence during this process and will cause no adverse health effects.  If you notice flushing activities in your immediate area, please refrain from using laundry machines until activities have ceased. 

Please be assured that this is a routine preventive maintenance procedure.  The City’s public drinking water remains safe and compliant with all State and Federal requirements for primary water quality. If you would like additional information, please contact the Public Utilities Department at (561) 243-7312 between 7:00 am and 3:30 pm - Monday through Friday or visit the City’s website at www.mydelraybeach.com and/or at http://twitter.com/citydelraybeach.