Beginning June 15th and continuing until July 27th, Greenville Utilities will temporarily change the disinfectant used in the water treatment process. The Water Treatment Plant will be using chlorine rather than chloramines during this time.  

Since December 2002, GUC has used chloramines, a mixture of chlorine and ammonia, as the disinfectant in the water treatment process. Chloramines are an effective disinfectant, reducing the level of byproducts that are regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency. State drinking water guidelines recommend that water systems using chloramines periodically switch back to free chlorine (chlorine alone) for a period of time. This brief, scheduled change in disinfectant is a standard water treatment practice to keep water mains clean and free of potentially harmful bacteria throughout the year.  

During this temporary change to free chlorine, customers may notice a slight change in the taste or smell of their tap water. The mild chlorine taste and smell is normal and poses no health risk. Most customers will not need to take any precautions, as the water remains safe to drink and is treated according to both state and federal standards. People and businesses that normally take special precautions to remove chloramines from tap water, such as dialysis centers, medical facilities, and aquatic pet owners, should continue to take the same precautions during the temporary switch from chloramines to free chlorine.  

For additional information, customers can be directed to our website, guc.com or to Water Resources at 252-551-1551.