PREPARE FOR THE CHLORAMINE CONVERSION

In February 2004, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) will switch from chlorine to chloramine disinfection for drinking water.  Chloramine is a combination of chlorine and ammonia that is considered a better disinfectant.  Many Bay Area communities are successfully using chloramine disinfection.

The SFPUC provides high quality drinking water to over 2.4 million residential and commercial customers in San Francisco, the Peninsula, South Bay and East Bay.  With the conversion to chloramine, our customers will continue to receive the highest quality water which meets or exceeds more stringent present and anticipated regulatory standards. READ MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AT THESE LINKS:

• BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
• DIALYSIS FACILITIES AND PATIENTS
• PROTECT YOUR FISH, AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES

WHY CHLORAMINE?
Chloramine is regarded as a more reliable disinfectant than chlorine alone because it lasts longer in water to more effectively remove pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.

Compared to chlorine, chloramine produces lower levels of trihalomethanes, suspected carcinogens that form when chlorine mixes with natural organic substances in water.

A significant number of Bay Area utilities and many communities nationwide have already switched to chloramine for drinking water disinfection.  Local water providers presently include: Alameda County Water District, East Bay Municipal District, and Santa Clara Valley Water District.

WHAT IS CHLORAMINE?
Chloraminated water is safe for people and animals to drink, and for all other general uses.  However, as with chlorine, chloramine will need to be removed for fish and amphibian use, and for people or businesses requiring highly treated water.

Precautions must still be taken to remove or neutralize chloramine in the kidney dialysis process, in the preparation of water for fish tanks and ponds, and in businesses using water in treatment processes and beverage manufacturing.

Unlike chlorine, chloramine cannot be removed from water by boiling, or by letting an open container of water stand to dissipate chlorine gas. It can only be neutralized, or removed with specific treatment methods.