City of Tulsa To Change Chemical Used To Treat City Drinking Water

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- The city of Tulsa announced plans Wednesday to change the secondary disinfectant it uses to treat the city's drinking water from chlorine to chloramine.

The switch will happen in the fall of 2011.  Making the switch will help Tulsa meet new EPA standards, according to city officials.

"After years of studying disinfection byproduct control, we've determined chloramine is the most cost-effective method for secondary disinfection to comply with the new federal standards," said Clayton Edwards, deputy director of Environmental Operations for the City of Tulsa. "No noticeable change in service to residents is anticipated with the transition."

City officials said chloramine lasts longer and is more effective as a disinfectant because it is more chemically stable and doesn't break down as quickly in water pipes.

"The benefits of using chloramine, as opposed to chlorine or other disinfectants, in the water supply are numerous," said Edwards. "From longer lasting water disinfection to improved odor and taste, the switch to chloramine will be advantageous for both the City of Tulsa and its water customers."

See a list of frequently asked questions about chloramine