So far, so good on Emporia’s Water Treatment Plant burnout process.
On KVOE’s Newsmaker segment Thursday, Public Works Director Dean Grant said the process so far has done a good job of moving the chlorine residuals into areas “where the water doesn’t turn over as fast.” Grant says the burnout process is needed. Under normal circumstances, the city adds ammonia to the water — but free ammonia occasionally collects in dead-end lines or other far reaches of the city’s water system.
Loss of chlorine residuals can lead to an increased risk of bacterial contamination, which can then trigger boil water alerts from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
The water will be safe to drink and use for normal day-to-day needs, even with the changes in taste and color. Hot water use for things like showers, washing dishes or washing clothes may amplify the chlorine smell.
This is normally a two-week process, but the city is extending it to six weeks to make sure there is a good free residual for the city’s wholesale customers as well as those in the city limits. Grant says the extension also means the city shouldn’t have to conduct burnouts three or four times a year.
