The water is safe to use for most. The only difference is the type of chlorination during the storm and the notice points out some types of users that it might affect.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

WATER RESOURCES AND UTILITIES

3151 E. New York Ave., DeLand, Florida 32724

(386) 822-6465 · 1-800-255-2069 · Fax: (386) 822-6466 http://www.volusia.org

Temporary Disinfection Change for Spruce Creek Fly-In Water Distribution System

Beginning at 12:00 noon on Monday, September 2, 2019 through the end of the Hurricane Dorian storm event, Volusia County Utilities will be receiving water supplied from the City of Port Orange to serve the Spruce Creek Fly-In water distribution system.

The City of Port Orange uses chloramines as a method of disinfection which is a different method than free chlorine typically used by Volusia County Utilities. With a change in disinfectant, some customers may notice a slight difference in the taste and/or odor of the water.

Water that contains chloramines is safe to use for drinking, cooking, bathing and other everyday household uses. However, as with free chlorine, precautions must be taken to remove or neutralize chloramines during the kidney dialysis process, in the preparation of water for fish tanks and ponds, and for businesses requiring highly processed water.

Kidney Dialysis

In the dialysis process, water comes in direct contact with the bloodstream. Just like chlorine, the presence of chloramines in dialysis water would be harmful and must be removed. Kidney dialysis patients can drink, cook and bathe in the chloraminated water, because the digestive process neutralizes chloramines before it reaches the bloodstream. It is recommended that you contact your physician if you have any questions regarding the use of water containing chloramines and your specific dialysis treatment needs.

Fish and aquatic life

Since fish and other aquatic animals absorb chloramines directly from the water into their bloodstreams through their gills, chloramines, just like chlorine, must be removed or neutralized before being added to aquariums or ponds. Water conditioners specifically designed to remove both chlorine and chloramines are available at stores that sell pet supplies. Chloraminated water is safe for all other pets including dogs, cats, birds, etc.

For more information

For more information concerning the temporary conversion to chloramines, please contact Volusia County Water Resources and Utilities at 386-822-6465.