The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) has begun the annual temporarily change of the disinfectant in its water treatment process. This process will occur from March 6 - April 3, 2023. The annual, routine change is necessary to maintain the regional system and year-round water quality for the more than two million customers NTMWD serves.

Disinfection is a critical part of the water treatment process that keeps drinking water free of harmful microorganisms, such as parasites and viruses. Disinfection involves a two-step process that first treats the water at the treatment plant and then chloramine disinfectant (chlorine + ammonia) is added to maintain water quality on its journey through the miles of pipes to homes and businesses. During the temporary change, NTMWD suspends adding ammonia and uses free chlorine to keep the water disinfected as it travels through pipes. It’s important to do this before summer because hotter temperatures can increase the potential for bacterial growth in pipes. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this temporary conversion is a common practice for many water providers using chloramines for disinfection.

The absence of ammonia during these few weeks may make the chlorine disinfectant more noticeable to some people. There are simple steps to minimize taste and odor, including placing a pitcher of water in the refrigerator overnight or adding a slice of citrus to the water. For skin sensitivities, adding a crushed 1000 mg Vitamin C tablet to bath water will help to neutralize the chlorine.

NTMWD has conducted the temporary change in water disinfectant for over a decade and continues to meet safe drinking water standards earning recognition from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) as a Superior Public Water System.

During the change, the cities and districts served by NTMWD may help move the chlorine-disinfected water through the system faster by flushing water from fire hydrants. The combination of converting to chlorine disinfectant and flushing the pipes helps maintain the system and safe water year-round.

NTMWD has posted resources including fact sheets, frequently asked questions, infographics, videos, and guidelines for questions about water quality.

Ready for spring cleaning!? The 'Keep Sunnyvale Shining' Trash Off is scheduled for Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Jobson Park!

Additional details and a flyer will be released soon!

The Doris Padgett Public Library is seeking volunteers for Saturday, April 1 to help move boxes and set up tables for the Library's annual Book Sale at the Sunnyvale Faire!

If you are interested in volunteering, please email Library Director Matthew Kolman or contact the Library at (972) 226-4491.