Ever notice a subtle shift in your drinking water? Derry residents, get ready for a temporary change! Manchester Water Works is conducting essential maintenance, transitioning to free chlorine. While harmless, you might notice a different taste or smell. Find out why this is happening and what simple steps you can take for optimal water enjoyment!

Residents within the Derry Water System are advised of an upcoming, temporary but significant adjustment to their drinking water supply as Manchester Water Works implements a planned conversion from its standard disinfectant, chloramine, to free chlorine. This essential maintenance measure, a routine practice for ensuring optimal water quality and system integrity, aims to enhance the overall safety and delivery of potable water to the community.

This periodic shift in water treatment methodology is a critical component of maintaining a robust and efficient water distribution infrastructure. Such conversions allow for a thorough cleansing of the system, targeting any residual biofilms or impurities that may accumulate over time, thereby proactively safeguarding public health. Manchester Water Works last undertook this process in August of the previous year, demonstrating its commitment to continuous system upkeep.

During the period of this chlorine conversion, it is entirely possible that Derry residents may detect a subtle, yet noticeable alteration in the taste and odor of their tap water. This sensory change is a normal and harmless byproduct of the disinfectant switch and is not indicative of any detrimental impact on the water’s potability or safety for consumption.

To further bolster the effectiveness of this maintenance initiative, the Derry Water Division will concurrently carry out selective hydrant flushing across the system. This procedure is designed to facilitate the rapid and efficient distribution of the free chlorine throughout the network, ensuring comprehensive treatment and an expedited return to the highest possible water quality standards following the transition.

The practice of temporarily switching disinfectants from chloramine to free chlorine is widely recognized and adopted by numerous public water systems across the United States. This method is fully sanctioned and regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which sets stringent standards for the safe application of both chlorine and chloramine in municipal water supplies, underscoring the procedure’s efficacy and safety.

Ensuring the consistent quality of drinking water remains a top priority, with both Manchester Water Works and the Town of Derry maintaining rigorous oversight. Throughout this conversion period, continuous and meticulous collection and testing of water samples will be performed to precisely monitor chlorine levels across the entire distribution network, guaranteeing adherence to all regulatory guidelines.

For residents seeking to minimize any potential changes in taste or odor, several simple strategies can be employed. Running the cold water tap for two minutes upon initial use, or for five to ten minutes if water has been stagnant for several hours, can help. Additionally, refrigerating cold tap water in an open pitcher for a few hours allows any discernible chlorine taste and odor to naturally dissipate, enhancing the drinking experience.

Individuals and commercial entities with specialized requirements for water treatment, such as dialysis centers, specific medical facilities, and aquatic pet owners who routinely remove chloramine from their tap water, should continue to apply their established precautions during this temporary switch. Most existing methods for chloramine removal are generally effective in treating water containing free chlorine, but those with particular health concerns are always advised to consult with a healthcare provider regarding tap water usage.

For comprehensive details or to address any specific inquiries regarding this important water system update, an informative sheet is available for review, or residents may contact the Derry Department of Public Works directly at 603-432-6147 during standard business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.