The City of Vandalia Water Treatment Plant will be perform their “Chlorine Burn” starting today

Information from the City of Vandalia Water Treatment Plant and Superintendent Andy Gelsinger—

The City of Vandalia Water Treatment Plant will temporarily convert the disinfectant used in the distribution system from chloramine to free chlorine. The conversion will begin on 5/16/25 and continue through 6/16/25. Once converted to Free Chlorine throughout the whole distribution system, we will convert it back to Chloramines resulting in the same procedure explained. During this period, you may experience taste and odor changes associated with this type of temporary disinfectant conversion.
Public water systems are required to properly disinfect their water and maintain an adequate disinfectant residual in the distribution system per EPA. Chloramine, free chlorine combined with ammonia, is widely used as a disinfectant because it persists for long periods while also limiting the formation of disinfection by-product contaminants. Prolonged use of chloramine coupled with other factors that can affect water quality, such as high temperatures or stagnation of water, may result in the growth and/or persistence of organic matter within the pipes of the distribution system, which may hinder the ability to maintain an adequate disinfectant residual. A temporary conversion to free chlorine, partnered with flushing activities, helps to rid distribution pipes of this organic matter, low flow/dead end areas and improve the quality of your water overall.