CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Feb. 28, 2025) – Charlotte County Utilities, in conjunction with the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority, will temporarily change the disinfection process for its potable (drinking) water supply. From April 22 through May 2 May 6, 2025, the water will be disinfected with free chlorine rather than chloramines (chlorine combined with ammonia). This conversion to free chlorine from chloramines allows the utility to maintain water quality in the distribution system, as recommended by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The last regional free chlorine conversion occurred in 2023.
Charlotte County Utilities water will REMAIN SAFE TO DRINK throughout this process and boiling water is not necessary. Customers may notice a change in the taste and smell of the water. The water may discolor laundered clothes. Homeowners should flush any cloudy or discolored water that may enter the plumbing by running a faucet for several minutes or until the water runs clear. For information on preventing waterborne germs, visit https://www.cdc.gov/drinking-water/prevention/preventing-waterborne-germs-at-home.html.
Customers on kidney dialysis who use a proportioning machine to prepare dialysate at home are advised to contact their physician or equipment supplier to obtain the appropriate steps to accommodate the change in water disinfection and to install the proper filtering devices if needed.
Customers using the water for aquariums should monitor the chlorine residuals and are advised to contact a professional aquarist to ensure proper pretreatment of the water before adding or changing the water in the tank to avoid any problems associated with chlorine.
The utility will flush the water distribution system in conjunction with this change in the process, allowing the free chlorine to move quickly throughout the distribution system.
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