McAllen residents might notice a change in their water later this month.
The McAllen Public Utility announced it would be conducting free chlorine conversion as part of its regular maintenance.
A free chlorine conversion, also known as a “chlorine burn,” is when a water system that typically uses chloramine removes ammonia from the treatment process, according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Chlorinated water combined with small amounts of ammonia is what makes chloramine.
After removing the ammonia, the water system disinfects the water with only chlorine as chlorine is more effective than chloramine at “inactivating” certain types of bacteria, TCEQ said.
The “chlorine burnout” is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. on Jan. 30 and will last through 8 a.m. on Feb. 13.
During the process, the MPU assured the water would be safe for consumption but some customers might notice a difference in the odor and taste.
