Two weeks before Public Works staff begins the fall flush of the water system, the City will switch from using Chloramines to Free Chlorine as the main disinfectant. This brief, scheduled change in disinfectant is a standard industry water treatment practice to prepare the system for water line flushing. A slight chlorine taste and smell to the water may be noticed during this two week period. This is normal and poses no health risk.
As normally occurs during hydrant flushing, cloudy or discolored water or even sediment in water may be observed for a short period of time. Should any of this be experienced, open faucets and let the water run until it clears up. Water will be safe to drink during this time even if it may look different.
Hydrant flushing is an absolute necessity in helping the City maintain its system and ensure it is providing safe potable water to its customers. The EPA recommends hydrant flushing be performed twice a year.
For more information on water main flushing: https://www.warrenville.il.us/795/Water-Main-Flushing