[StBernard] ST. BERNARD PARISH RETURNS TO NORMAL DISINFECTION METHODS AT THE WATER AND SEWER PLANT

[Westley Annis]

ST. BERNARD PARISH RETURNS TO NORMAL DISINFECTION METHODS AT THE WATER AND
SEWER PLANT

 

In September 2013, the Department of Health and Hospitals mandated that the
parish's water system perform a 'Chlorine Burn' throughout our water
distribution system.  A chlorine burn is accomplished by discontinuing the
use of ammonia which was combined with chlorine to form a compound called
chloramines. This treatment method lasted approximately 4 months. These
steps are being taken after ongoing consultations with Department of Health
and Hospitals Officials and in accordance with the Emergency Order issued by
DHH on October 1, 2013.

 

On February 13, 2014 the St. Bernard Parish Water & Sewer Division will be
changing the disinfectant that we use from free chlorine back to
chloramines. The return to chloramines is intended to benefit our customers
by reducing the levels of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in the system,
while still providing protection from waterborne disease.

 

However, the change 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 a charcoal filter, for removing the
chloramine prior to this date. Medical facilities should also determine if
additional precautions are required for other medical equipment.

 

In addition, chloraminated water may be toxic to fish. If you have a fish
tank, please make sure that the chemicals or filters that you are using are
designed for use in water that has been treated with chloramines. You may
also need to change the type of filter that you use for the fish tank.

 

This switch back to Chloramines (Chlorine + Ammonia) is how St. Bernard
Parish has disinfected the water since 1986. This method is recommended by
the US Environmental Protection Agency and Louisiana Department of Health
and Hospitals and is used in a majority of surface water system across the
United States.

 

If you have any questions on this notice, you may contact Jacob Groby, Supt.
Q/C at 504-271-1681 x 234.