The City of Port St. Lucie’s Utility Systems Department will temporarily change its method of chlorinating potable water on Friday, February 22, 2008.

The City routinely uses a combination of chlorine and ammonia (chloramines) in its water treatment process.  The addition of ammonia will be temporarily discontinued beginning February 22nd, and free chlorination will continue.  This temporary change is being done to insure the continued effectiveness of the disinfection process. 

Persons using the City’s water may notice an unusual chlorine taste or odor in their tap water during the period of February 22 – March 17, 2008; however, the level of chlorination will remain the same.

The temporary conditions will not be harmful to the general public. However, persons on kidney dialysis should consult their physician for special instructions concerning this matter.    

Those who have tropical fish or aquatic animals should contact local tropical fish stores for advice and then take appropriate action to properly treat water treated before it is added to aquariums.

Flushing of fire hydrants during this period may cause the water to become cloudy and discolored.  This will also be a temporary condition and should not last more than a few hours.

For more information regarding this matter, please contact the Utility Systems Department at (772) 873-6400.

For more information, contact:
Donna Rhoden
Public Information Manager
Utility Systems Department
City of Port St. Lucie
(772) 873-6400