Annual water system maintenance in place until April 3

Change in taste and smell may be detected

MURPHY (March 6, 2023) Between now and Monday, April 3, Murphy’s water supplier, the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), will temporarily change the method of disinfection in its water treatment process. 

                “The annual, routine change is necessary to maintain the quality of the water year-round,” says Murphy Public Services Director Tim Rogers. “Disinfection keeps drinking water free of harmful microorganisms, such as parasites and viruses. During this period residents may see water being flushed from fire hydrants. This helps ensure that the process moves throughout our entire system.”

                The usual disinfection process involves treating the water at the treatment plant and then adding chloramine disinfectant, which is chlorine plus ammonia, to maintain water quality on its journey to homes and businesses. 

                However, during the annual change, NTMWD suspends adding ammonia and uses free chlorine to keep water disinfected. This is done before summer because hotter temperatures can increase the potential for bacterial growth in pipes. 

                “The absence of ammonia during this period may make the chlorine disinfectant more noticeable to some people,” said Rogers. “However, the taste and odor can be lessened by placing a pitcher of water in the refrigerator overnight or adding a slice of citrus to the water.” Adding a crushed 1,000 mg vitamin C tablet to bath water will neutralize the chlorine. 

                NTMWD has conducted the temporary change in water disinfectant for over a decade and continues to meet safe drinking water standards. The water supplier conducts constant testing of the water, including during the annual maintenance period. Customers can view the results at www.ntmwd.com/water-testing. 

                Online resources, including fact sheets, frequently asked questions, infographics, videos, and guidelines for questions about water quality, are available at www.ntmwd.com/temporary-change-in-disinfectant.

                Residents and business owners can obtain more information by visiting either www.NTMWD.com/safewater or the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality at www.tceq.texas.gov/drinkingwater/disinfection/temporary-free-chlorine-conversion.