To meet state and federal regulations, Cary/Apex Water Treatment Plant operators suspend the addition of ammonia during disinfecting each March. This is part of a balancing of treatment procedures to provide safe drinking water.
Important Note:
Water customers who use kidney dialysis machines should be aware that water may contain chlorine, ammonia, or a combination of the two during March of each year.
The Town uses chlorine as a disinfectant, but began adding ammonia in 1993 to help reduce the amount of trihalomethanes, a byproduct from disinfecting with chlorine only. However, bacteria eventually may adapt to the ammonia-chlorine combination. So the state of North Carolina requires an annual "cleansing" of systems that use ammonia.
Water may smell more like chlorine and possibly be slightly discolored during March. Such changes are temporary and a part of the treatment process. The Town will test daily to ensure that chlorine levels are safe and will flush the system as needed to maintain water quality.
Customers are encouraged to check their water before washing white clothes. If it appears discolored, they should flush faucets for a few minutes.
Contact
For more information or to report problems, contact:
Cary Public Works & Utilities Department
(919) 469-4090