March 28, 2016
NOTICE
Dear Water Customer:
Beginning on Friday, April 1, 2016 and continuing until Saturday, April 30, 2016, the Tarboro Water Plant will use only chlorine to disinfect drinking water. This is a temporary change designed to ensure that Town of Tarboro customers continue to receive high quality water. `
Since June 2005, the Town of Tarboro has used chloramines, a mixture of chlorine and ammonia, as the disinfectant in its water treatment process. Chloramines are an effective disinfectant and also reduce the level of byproducts that are regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency. State drinking water regulations require water systems that use chloramines to switch back to chlorine for a minimum of three weeks each year.
The periodic use of chlorine is mandated in order to ensure a high level of disinfection is maintained throughout the network of water mains and pipes that deliver your drinking water.
The water provided to you during this time period will be safe to drink and use in the same manner as water treated with chloramines. Some customers may find that the water has a more noticeable chlorine taste and odor compared to water with chloramines. Fish owners need to be sure that the chemicals added to aquariums or ponds to neutralize chloramines will also work for chlorine.
During this time, Town of Tarboro crews will also begin the process of flushing the water distribution system by opening fire hydrants in a planned pattern. Flushing the water distribution system in this manner will clean the pipes and ensure that the switch to chlorine provides the best possible disinfection. If you have any questions concerning this matter feel free to contact the Town of Tarboro Water Plant at (252) 641-4284.