Annual Water System Maintenance (April 22, 2024 through May 17, 2024)

Annual Water System Maintenance (April 22, 2024 through May 17, 2024): Temporary free-chlorine conversion for safe drinking water

Denison, Texas (April 16, 2024) – Public water systems are required to properly disinfect their water and

maintain an adequate disinfectant residual throughout the water distribution system. It is recommended

that public water systems that use chloramine as a disinfectant periodically, and temporarily, switch from

chloramine disinfection to a free-chlorine disinfection process by suspending the addition of ammonia.

This temporary change is to ensure that water quality throughout the water distribution system remains

compliant with all state and federal regulatory requirements.

The City of Denison will implement this recommended and temporary change to the disinfectant used in

the water treatment process by switching from chloramine disinfectant to free-chlorine disinfectant

beginning April 22 and concluding May 17, 2024. This temporary change is a preventative maintenance

measure intended to improve water quality throughout the water distribution system. This effort mirrors

those of other water suppliers in the North Texas region and the timeline is intended to prepare the water

distribution system for the hot weather months.

As a result of the temporary change in disinfectant, customers who are sensitive to taste and odor

changes in drinking water may notice a slight change. Water quality, however, will not be compromised

and the water will remain safe for consumption. To minimize potential odor and taste changes, City of

Denison staff will increase the frequency and duration of water hydrant flushing while the conversion is

taking place. Flushing efforts will also ensure that the disinfectant reaches the most remote areas of the

water distribution system. Frequency of water quality testing will also be increased to measure the

success of this preventative maintenance effort.

“The primary goal of this temporary change in disinfectant is to ensure the highest water quality possible

throughout the potable water distribution network,” says Ronnie Bates, Director of Public Works. “The

Dean Rylant Water Treatment Plant is equipped to deliver the safest drinking water possible and this

temporary change in disinfectant is necessary to continue providing this essential service to our residents

and businesses.”

The City of Denison follows the specified guidelines set forth by the Texas Commission on Environmental

Quality (TCEQ) on how public water systems disinfect drinking water. For more information, please visit: