Surface Water and Conversion
to Chloramines
The water we use everyday
comes to Copperfield residents from groundwater
pumped by wells operated by its MUDs. While
this system has worked effectively for many
years, the groundwater that we use has caused
the depletion of the aquifers beneath our
neighborhoods. In order to preserve these
valuable aquifers and control subsidence in our
area, we must manage how we use our groundwater
resources.
In the mid 70’s, the
Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District
(HGCSD) was created to study this problem
and find solutions. In 1999, the HGCSD adopted
its most recent regulatory plan establishing an
ultimate groundwater reduction goal for north
and west Harris County to reduce groundwater
pumpage to 20% of total water demand by 2030.
In order to supply water to
our residents, HGCSD and the
West Harris County Regional Water Authority
have entered into an agreement with the City of
Houston to supply surface water from Lake
Houston. Phased construction is currently
underway and MUD 186 is in the final stages of
preparations to receive water from WHCRWA
One prerequisite to
“blending” groundwater with surface water from
Lake Houston requires MUDs to covert to
chloramines disinfection. Beginning September
1, 2005, as part of these preparations, the
District will be changing the disinfectant that
we use from Chlorine to Chloramines. The City
of Houston uses chloramines for several
reasons. One is to minimize the formation of
disinfection byproducts (DBPs) which occur when
free chlorine reacts with organic matter.
Second, Chloramines provides protection from
waterborne disease while allowing a longer
lasting disinfection residual. And three, the
conversion will avoid potential problems caused
when water disinfected with Chlorine mixes with
water disinfected with Chloramines.
All MUD customers should be
aware that changing to Chloramines can cause
problems to persons dependent on dialysis
machines. A condition known as hemolytic
anemia can occur if the disinfectant is not
completely removed from the water that is used
for the dialysate. Consequently, the
pretreatment scheme used for the dialysis units
must include some means such as charcoal filter,
for removing the chloramines prior to the date
of chloramines conversion. Medical facilities
should also determine if additional precautions
are required for other medical equipment.
In addition, chloraminated
water may be toxic to fish. MUD customers with
fish tanks should make sure that the chemicals
or filters that they are using are designed for
use in water that has been treated with
chloramines. MUD customers may also need to
change the type of filter that they use for the
fish tank. For more information please see the
Texas Commission on Environment Quality guidance
on use of Chloramines disinfection.
Upon the final conversion,
residents may begin to experience differences in
the water they are receiving. These differences
may include a slight change in the water’s taste
and/or odor and may include a reduction in the
hardness of the water. During this transition
period, the District will be analyzing the water
and taking every step available to reduce any
impact these changes have to our residents.
By being less depend on
groundwater, we can allow these vital aquifers
to rebuild themselves. This will be
accomplished through the careful regulation of
groundwater withdrawals and working in
collaboration with the WHCRWA. As we look to
the future, we will continue to work diligently
with our public partners to protect one of our
most precious natural resources, water.
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