Chloramine Notification to Residents

FORT BEND COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 162 TO CHANGE DRINKING WATER DISINFECTION METHOD

Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No.162 (the “District”) will begin a new process of water disinfection when it begins using chloramines rather than chlorine as the disinfectant in the water supply. The tentative date for conversion to chloramines is during the month of July of this year (2025). The use of chloramines rather than chlorine is not new technology as it is in widespread use in many cities and other drinking water supplies. The change is intended to benefit the District’s customers by reducing the levels of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) that could be possible in the system, while providing protection from waterborne disease. The City of Houston has been treating its water with chloramines for over thirty years. Water containing chloramines is safe for drinking, bathing, cooking, and most other uses. HOWEVER, there are two categories of people who need to take special care with chloraminated water:

• Kidney Dialysis Patients – 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 chloramines prior to the conversion to chloramines. Medical facilities should also determine if additional precautions are required for other medical equipment.

• Live Fish or Other Aquatic Animal Owners – 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. Tropical fish shops and other businesses that keep fish or other animals in aquariums or ponds, or tanks are encouraged to contact a pet supply company about how to remove chloramines before using drinking water in an aquarium.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How will chloramination affect water customers?

Chloramination will not affect routine water uses such as drinking/consumption, food preparation, household laundering and dishwashing, and watering plants. Chloramines will not have any effect on any type of lawn and will usually be removed by the high chlorine demand in the soil. For most customers, the only noticeable change will be that the chlorine smell and taste in our water will be less apparent. Two groups of water customers - kidney dialysis patients and fish owners - must take special precautions.

Why is the District converting to chloramines?

The District currently obtains its drinking water from wells located within the District. However, to comply with mandates from the Fort Bend Subsidence District to reduce ground water pumpage, the District plans to enter into a contract with the City of Rosenberg, Texas to purchase treated surface water to be supplied through a newly constructed water transmission line. The gradual conversion to the use of treated surface water blended with the District’s well water will require the use of chloramines as the disinfectant of the District’s water supply.

What is the current drinking water disinfection method?

The current method of disinfection used is chlorination. Chlorine is added to drinking water at a controlled level. Chlorine is an effective disinfectant of many kinds of bacteria that may be harmful to one's health. The District is required to comply with State and Federal standards for bacterial control.

What precautions should kidney dialysis patients take?

Both chlorine and chloramine must be removed from the water used in kidney dialysis machines. Medical centers that perform dialysis and dialysis centers are responsible for purifying water that enters the dialysis machines. Customers with home dialysis equipment should contact their physicians or dialysis centers regarding chloramination and how it will affect them. They should also check with the equipment manufacturer for information. Will chloramination affect routine business water uses?

Businesses and other organizations in the District that use the District’s water for commercial laundering operations, textile dying, laboratory procedures and other processes in which water characteristics must be carefully controlled should get advice from equipment manufacturers or other suppliers regarding changes that may or may not be needed.

Do home water softeners remove chloramines?

Most water softeners are not designed to remove chloramines.

Will using chloramines affect swimming pools?

No. Swimming pool managers and owners will still need a free-chlorine residual to retard algae and bacterial growths. Contact local pool supply stores for specifics.

Does bottled water have chloramines?

Possibly - depending on the source of the water. If the bottled water company uses water supplied by a municipal water source that uses chloramines, the bottled water will have chloramines unless the company takes special steps to remove it.

How can I get more information?

Feel free to contact the District’s Operator, Si Environmental, LLC at (832) 490-1600 should you have a question or comment.