Update on Conversion to Chloramines

The Crescenta Valley Water District (CVWD) will begin using chloramine instead of chlorine to disinfect drinking water supplies by the end of the year 2020.

In 2018, CVWD’s board of directors voted to switch to this popular disinfection method because of a buildup of byproducts from the chlorine treatment process. Lower levels of groundwater due to continuing drought cycles and diminishing groundwater supplies require the District to rely more heavily on imported water, which is prone to increased formation of the byproducts, known as total trihalomethanes or TTHMs. Rising levels of organic compounds in the water supply also result in rising levels of these byproducts.

Since chloramines create fewer TTHMs, this ensures CVWD will continue to meet state and federal limits on levels of these byproducts in the water supply. According to EPA, “These byproducts, if consumed in excess of EPA’s standard over many years, may lead to increased health risks.”

Chloramine has been used as a disinfectant since the 1930s. It is formed by combining chlorine with low levels of ammonia and does not form the byproducts, which are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the State of California.

“Most residents of Southern California already drink water treated with chloramine,” CVWD General Manager Nem Ochoa said. “This disinfectant is used by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which has been serving water containing chloramine to more than 15 million people across the region since the 1980s.”

Tap water treated with chloramine is safe for everyone, including children and pregnant women.

While most newer dialysis equipment is made to handle both chlorine and chloramines, people who use dialysis machines must check with their dialysis service provider to ensure the machines they are using contain the proper filtration system capable of removing chloramine and ammonia from the water.

The owners of aquariums and ponds must also take special care because chloramine can harm fish, turtles, frogs and other aquatic animals. Products and filters used to remove chloramine and ammonia are available from pet stores and Internet suppliers.

The District has extensive information, including fact sheets and a video regarding chloramines on its website, www.cvwd.com. Prior to the switchover, all residents will be notified by direct mailer and specific date information regarding the conversion will be noticed on our website, Facebook, Nixle, in the newspaper and by email blasts.

Those who are not signed up to receive emails from the District should go to www.cvwd.com and sign up today. Questions about this change in treatment should be directed to the District at (818) 248-3925 or customerservice@cvwd.com.