Georgetown water may be discolored for 'brief periods' in April, May

Starting next month, Georgetown water customers may see green or brown tint in their water or may notice chlorine odors. This is because Georgetown Water Utility will begin water system maintenance on April 17 and last through May 17.

GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — Georgetown water customers may see green or brown tint or may notice chlorine odors in their water in April due to water system maintenance.

The Georgetown Water Utility said maintenance will begin on April 17 and last through May 17, the City said in a news release Tuesday.

Customers may see those changes in their water on April 18 or April 19. The water will be safe to drink for people, pets and plants, the City said.

The city uses chloramines for disinfection of the water, which is typical for long-term benefits. However, the city will use only chlorine to disinfect the water during this maintenance period, which is called "Temporary Free Chlorine Conversion." This is "to reset the system’s disinfection capabilities and free pipes of sediment buildup."

This maintenance practice is recommended by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

According to the city, here is an important advisory for specific groups that may be affected by the maintenance:

• Dialysis patients and centers: Special precautions should be taken for dialysis patients and centers. Water must be properly treated to remove all chemical disinfectants, including chlorine and chloramine, before it is used in dialysis machines. However, the city said water remains safe for consumption by dialysis patients.
• Fish tanks and aquariums: The city said water will not be safe for use in fish tanks and aquariums during the conversion period. This is due to the temporary change in disinfection treatment.
• Pool owners: Pool owners must maintain the same chlorine level in water treated with either free chlorine or chloramines to prevent algae and bacterial growth. The city said pool supply stores can provide pool owners with more information.

The city said hydrants will also be flushed during the conversion period "to help maintain clear water for customers and to ensure the free chlorine reaches the entire water system."

A drop in water pressure is not expected for most customers. If it does change, it is "usually momentary," according to the city. However, if the low pressure lasts longer than an hour, customers can report it in an email to city customer care at customercare@georgetown.org.