Change in Melbourne Water Treatment Means Special Cautions for Kidney Dialysis Patients, Fish Owners

City of Melbourne will be temporarily changing its water disinfection method

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Melbourne water customers may notice a chlorine odor in their tap water beginning January 5, and continuing through January 26.

During this period, the City of Melbourne will be temporarily changing its water disinfection method. This temporary change in water chemistry will not affect the safety of drinking water.

Chloramine, which is formed from the combination of free chlorine and ammonia, is usually used for disinfection by the City of Melbourne. During the temporary change, free chlorine, without any ammonia, will be used.

“During this temporary period, customers may notice a chlorine taste or odor in their tap water,” said Public Works and Utilities Director Jennifer Spagnoli.

“These temporary conditions will not cause adverse health effects. The water will remain safe for drinking and other uses.”

Changing to free chlorine periodically provides additional protection against microorganism contamination and helps ensure the water you receive remains safe.

Special Cautions for Kidney Dialysis Patients and Fish Owners

During the first and last weeks of these three weeks, as the water in the distribution system transitions from chloramine disinfectant to free chlorine and then back to chloramine, customers who use kidney dialysis machines should be aware that their water may contain chlorine, ammonia, or a mixture of the two.

During the middle week, the water should contain only free chlorine.

Other specialized users of water, such as fish, amphibian, and reptile owners; stores and restaurants with fish aquariums and holding tanks for fish and shellfish; and hospitals, blood/dialysis clinics, or users of home dialysis equipment, may need to take action to maintain appropriate water quality during this temporary switch in disinfection.

These users are encouraged to contact an appropriate professional for guidance on using the equipment during this period.

The temporary change in treatment may adversely affect dialysis machines and harm fish and aquatic mammals if not adequately addressed.

For all other users, there are no precautions that you need to take. You do not need to boil your water, purchase bottled water, or purchase special filtration devices.

However, if you are sensitive to chlorine taste or smell, you can collect water in a container and refrigerate it for a few hours. This will allow much of the chlorine to leave the water.

For more information on this temporary change to the treatment process, please call the City of Melbourne Water Production Division at 321-608-5700. You can also find information on this Frequently Asked Questions page.

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