April 18, 2016
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: David Bone
Chairman, MCRWASA
252-789-4300
dbone@martincountyncgov.com
MCRWASA to Adjust Disinfectant in Water Treatment Process June 1st
On June 1, 2016, the Martin County Regional Water and Sewer Authority (MCRWASA), the Town of Williamston (inside and outside town limits) and Martin County Water District #2 will be changing the disinfectant used from chlorine to chloramines. (Visit http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/public/chloramine-disinfection.html for more information about this process.) This change is intended to benefit our customers by reducing the levels of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in the system, while still providing protection from waterborne disease.
However, the change to chloramines can cause problems to persons dependent on dialysis machines. A condition known as hemolytic anemia can occur if the disinfectant is not completely removed from the water that is used for the dialysate. Consequently, the pretreatment scheme used for the dialysis units must include some means, such as a charcoal filter, for removing the chloramine prior to this date. Medical facilities should also determine if additional precautions are required for other medical equipment.
In addition, chloraminated water may be toxic to fish. If you have a fish tank, please make sure that the chemicals or filters that you are using are designed for use in water that has been treated with chloramines. You may also need to change the type of filter that you use for the fish tank.
If anyone has any questions on this matter:
- Customers of Martin County Water District #2 should contact the Martin County Water District Office at 789-4345.
- Williamston customers should contact the Williamston Water Dept. at 792-5142.