Are free chlorine and chloraminated water safe?

Yes, both forms of chlorine are safe for people and animals to drink, for cooking and bathing, watering the garden, and for all other common uses. However, precautions must be taken to remove or neutralize chloramines and free chlorine during the kidney dialysis processing, in the preparation of water for fish tanks and ponds, and for businesses requiring highly-processed water. Most customers will not need to take any precautions as the water remains safe to drink and is treated according to both state and federal standards.

People and businesses that normally take special precautions to remove disinfectants like chloramines from tap water, such as dialysis centers, medical facilities and aquatic pet owners, should continue to take the same precautions during the temporary switch from chloramines to free chlorine.

Show All Answers

1. What is the “Water Distribution System Free Chlorine Maintenance Program?”
2. Can I drink the water during this maintenance program?
3. Why is the maintenance program being conducted?
4. When will the program be conducted?
5. Who will be affected?
6. Are free chlorine and chloraminated water safe?
7. What precautions should users of dialysis machines take?
8. What precautions should fish owners take?
9. Why are we switching to free chlorine so often?
10. Do the local or regional distribution systems have a bacteria problem?
11. What is free chlorine?
12. What is combined chlorine or chloramine?
13. Why does City of Rosenberg Utilities use chloramines most of the year?
14. Will customers notice any changes in the water during the program?
15. Why all the flushing?
16. What changes can be expected once the routine maintenance is completed?
17. If I have questions, who should I call for more information?