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1. What are chloramines?

Chloramines are disinfectants added to the water for public health protection. Chloramines are formed when ammonia is added to chlorine to treat drinking water. Chloramines provide long-lasting protection as they do not break down quickly in water pipes.

2. Are chloramines safe?

Yes, chloraminated water is safe for bathing, drinking, cooking and all everyday uses. Chloramines have been used safely in the U.S., Canada and Great Britain for more than 90 years. Other Texas cities such as Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas and Fort Worth have been using chloramines as part of their water treatment process for decades. Missouri City, Stafford (WCID #2), and Pecan Grove have switched to chloramines recently. The EPA estimates that more than one in five Americans regularly use drinking water treated with chloramines.

3. When will the change occur in the City of Sugar Land water system?

The conversion to chloramines is expected to begin in September 2013.

4. What can I expect to notice with the change?

Chloramination is expected to improve the taste and smell of the water delivered through the system. You will not likely notice any differences once the entire system is converted.

5. What special precautions do kidney dialysis patients have to take?

Chloramines, like chlorine, must be removed from the water before it can be used in kidney dialysis machines. Chloramines can be removed by adding ascorbic acid to the water or using a granular-activated carbon treatment. Kidney dialysis patients should contact their physician or local kidney dialysis center for guidance on modifications to dialysis machines and procedures. Medical centers that perform dialysis are responsible for purifying the water that enters the dialysis machines. Kidney dialysis patients can still bathe, drink and cook with chloraminated water. The digestive process neutralizes the chloramines before they reach the bloodstream. It's only when water interacts directly in the bloodstream, as in dialysis, that chloramines or chlorine must be removed.

6. What does the change in water disinfection mean for aquarium owners?

Chloramines, like chlorine, must be removed from the water before it is added to aquariums or fish ponds, including fish and lobster tanks in restaurants and stores. Aquarium owners should visit local pet stores or other retail outlets with pet or aquarium supplies for dechloramination products and instructions.

7. I already have a water filter installed at my home, is it effective in removing chloramines?

Some household treatment and filter systems can remove both chlorine and chloramines. To verify whether your current treatment or filter removes chloramines, please refer to your original filter packaging or contact a local provider of home water filters.

8. Do I need to worry about chloramine DBPs?

Like chlorine DBPs, the chloramine DBPs formation depends on the water characteristics. At the City’s new Surface Water Treatment Plant, chloramines are used as a “secondary disinfectant” to protect water quality in the distribution pipelines. The water has been through multistage treatment, i.e., coagulation, settling, membrane filtration, and granular activated carbon filters before chloramines are added. Our multi-barrier approach will ensure the safety and quality of the City’s drinking water.

9. Do I need to worry about corrosion of metal pipes?

Unlike some municipal water distribution systems, the City of Sugar Land has less than 1% of iron pipes and no lead pipes. In addition, we control and monitor the treated water stability and also add a corrosion inhibitor at all of the City’s water treatment plants to minimize the risk of the corrosion of metal piping and plumbing.

10. What stances does the Environmental Protection Agency take on chloramine?

The EPA recognizes chloramines as a safe disinfectant and an effective way to reduce DBP formation. In addition, the EPA states that water disinfected with chloramines that meets regulatory standards has no known or anticipated adverse health effects, including skin problems, breathing problems, digestive problems or cancers.