City of Monroe, LA

Public Works Director Tom Janway and Monroe Water System Manager Sean Benton announce, the City of Monroe Water System will return to using chloramines as its primary disinfectant on January 27, 2017. For the past three years, in response to an order issued by the Department of Health and Hospitals, municipalities across the state implemented the short-term use of pure chlorine as the disinfectant for their water systems.  

During the change-over process, customers may notice open fire hydrants and/or overflowing water storage tanks and towers.  The fire hydrants will be opened to allow flushing of the system to help remove sediment from the pipes and distribute the change in disinfectant. Overflowing water storage tanks and towers further aid in the flushing process.

• Possible Noticeable Effects:  It is important to understand that during this change there may be some discoloration or cloudiness in the water and possibly a slight chlorine odor or taste. If this is experienced, you may want to run the water through the tap until it clears. Minor pressure fluctuations and small air pockets may also occur. Fire hydrant flushing should remove a majority of the color and odor, but some may reach customer lines during the process.
• Is the Water Safe to Drink?  Yes. The water is safe to drink throughout this process. Any odor and color issues will be nuisance only, which will subside as the flushing is completed. Discoloration in laundry is possible during this time. Cleaning additives are readily available at the Water Distribution office located at 1350 Grammont Street.  Customers who use tap water for kidney dialysis at home should consult their doctor to advise them if any changes are necessary in their residual disinfectant neutralization procedures. Customers utilizing the water for aquariums should monitor both free and total chlorine residuals.

Should you have any additional question please contact Sean Benton, Water System Manager. 318-329-2386