The Brushy Creek Municipal Utility District's public water system (PWS) is participating in a regional chlorine rinse along with the cities of Round Rock, Georgetown, Leander, and other local entities. This is the second year the District is conducting this chlorine rinse, and along with several other regional partners, we are exploring the benefits of making it an annual process.

The District will temporarily convert the disinfectant used in the distribution system from chloramine to free chlorine. The conversion will begin on August 3 and continue through August 31. During this period, you may experience taste and odor changes associated with this type of temporary disinfectant conversion, but water will remain safe for use.

Public water systems are required to properly disinfect their water and maintain an adequate disinfectant residual in the distribution system. Chloramine, free chlorine combined with ammonia, is widely used as a disinfectant because it persists for long periods while also limiting the formation of disinfection by-product contaminants. Prolonged use of chloramine coupled with other factors that can impact water quality, such as high temperatures or stagnation of water, may result in the growth and/or persistence of organic matter within the pipes of the distribution system, which may hinder the ability to maintain an adequate disinfectant residual. A temporary conversion to free chlorine, partnered with flushing activities, helps to rid distribution pipes of this organic matter and improve the quality of your water overall.

BCMUD has chosen to implement a temporary disinfectant conversion to free chlorine based on the following:

• State and federal regulations require Texas cities to maintain proper levels of disinfectant in public water systems to protect against harmful bacteria and viruses. 
• While chloramine is effective for long-term treatment, it can lose strength in warmer months or in complex systems. To prevent this, the MUD periodically switches to free chlorine, a more aggressive disinfectant, to help: 

o   Clear out buildup in pipes that can reduce disinfection effectiveness. 

o   Prevent bacteria growth that can occur during long-term chloramine use. 

o   Ensure disinfectant reaches all parts of the system — even low-flow or dead-end areas.

This is a widely used practice and is recommended by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

Click here to access frequently asked questions about the chlorine conversion.

Important advisory for specific groups:

Dialysis patients and centers: Special precautions are advised for dialysis patients and centers. Water must be properly treated to remove all chemical disinfectants, including chlorine and chloramine, before it is used in dialysis machines. However, the water remains safe for consumption by dialysis patients.

Fish tanks and aquariums: The water will not be safe for use in fish tanks and aquariums during the conversion period due to the temporary change in disinfection treatment.

Pool owners: Pool owners must maintain the same chlorine level in water treated with either free chlorine or chloramines to prevent algae and bacterial growth. Pool supply stores can provide pool owners with more information. 
 
What to Expect

• The free chlorine rinse will run from August 3 to August 31. 
• You may notice a stronger chlorine smell or taste, similar to swimming pool water. 
• Water will remain safe for drinking, bathing, and watering plants.
•  Some areas may experience cloudy or discolored water due to hydrant flushing.

 If you notice a change in taste, smell, or water clarity: 

• Taste or odor? Store tap water in an open container in the fridge to let chlorine dissipate. Carbon filters also help. 
  
• Cloudy or discolored water? Run cold water (preferably from a bathtub or outdoor faucet) for several minutes. 
  
• Laundry tip: If water appears discolored, wait to wash clothes to avoid staining, especially from August 3 to August 31.