Stay Informed: Understanding GCWA’s Annual Chlorine Maintenance for Safe Drinking Water

As we approach the annual routine system maintenance period for the Gulf Coast Water Authority (GCWA) from April 8 to May 6, 2024, it’s essential for our valued customers and community members to be aware of some temporary changes and what they mean for your water safety and quality.

This year, like every year, GCWA will temporarily switch its water disinfection process from using a combination of chlorine and ammonia (chloramine) to using chlorine alone. This change is part of our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of water quality and safety throughout our service areas. While this chlorine maintenance is a standard practice, here are a few things you might notice:

  • Temporary Changes in Water Quality: Some customers might observe water discoloration, cloudiness, or a noticeable smell of chlorine in their water. These conditions are not harmful and should dissipate as the maintenance period concludes. It’s also worth noting that the levels of chlorine used during this period are consistent with year-round safety standards and have not been linked to any adverse health effects.
  • Importance of Chlorine Maintenance: This maintenance is a crucial step in preparing our water systems for the hotter months ahead. It helps prevent taste and odor problems, ensuring that our water remains pleasant and safe to drink throughout the summer.
  • Who Is Affected?: The maintenance will impact all Galveston County communities, except for League City, Friendswood, and Bolivar. It’s also a time when municipalities and water districts will perform system flushes to ensure quality, which might involve opening fire hydrants in some areas.

For those with home dialysis equipment, fish, or reptiles, special attention should be paid to water treatment during this period to adjust for the temporary change in disinfection methods. Dialysis centers are prepared for this change and will treat water accordingly to ensure patient safety.

We understand that changes to your water quality, even temporarily, can lead to questions or concerns. That’s why we’re committed to transparency and communication throughout this process. We encourage you to reach out with any questions or for further information on how to manage water use during this period.

For a detailed overview of the chlorine maintenance process, including FAQs on how it may affect you and steps GCWA takes to ensure water quality, please refer to our comprehensive information flyers linked below. These resources are designed to provide you with peace of mind and understanding of our efforts to keep your water safe and clean year-round.

🔗 2024 GCWA Chlorine Maintenance Information Flyer

🔗 2024 GCWA Graphic Chlorine Maintenance Flyer

As always, the Gulf Coast Water Authority is here to serve and support our community. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we carry out this essential maintenance work to ensure the continued safety and quality of your drinking water.