FGUA flushing Lehigh system to improve water quality
If you are getting your drinking water from FGUA in Lehigh Acres, you may have noticed a different taste, but not to worry, says FGUA officials who say they started on August 1 to flush and temporarily change the disinfection process for the drinking water supply in Lehigh.
According to a statement from Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA), the system flushing is a part of what it calls its prudent utility practice.
“Flushing will remove sediment from the system that has been in the pipes for a long time. Sediment left in the pipes has led to odor and discoloration in some communities, which occurs as chlorine that is used to treat the water subsides,” said Donna Lizotte, a community service representative for FGUA in Longwood, Fla.
When FGUA temporarily changes the disinfection process, your water will be disinfected with free chlorine rather than combined chlorine/ ammonia (chloramines). This conversion to free chlorine (which is a stronger, faster-acting disinfectant) from chloramines (which is a longer lasting disinfectant) allows the FGUA to perform a water distribution system purge as recommended by the Dept. of Environmental Protection for water utilities using chloramines as their primary disinfectant, Lizotte said in a press release.
This temporary change in disinfection will last approximately 30 days and is expected to end on Aug. 31, she said.
If you have any questions about the procedure, you are urged to call FGUA at 239-368-1615 or visit them at their website at: www.FGUA.com for additional information on this process.
Lizotte said FGUA appreciates the public’s patience as they work to maintain clean and clear water in your system in Lehigh.