The Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA) will be temporarily changing the disinfection process for water supplied to its customers.

From September 13 through October 11, FGUA will disinfect the water with free chlorine rather than combined chlorine/ammonia (chloramines). This conversion to chlorine (which is a stronger disinfectant) from chloramines (which is a longer-lasting disinfectant) allows FGUA to perform a water distribution system purge as recommended by the Department of Environmental Protection for water utilities using chloramines as their primary disinfectant, said Barbara Kerby, a spokeswoman with FGUA.

“We will start the process at 6 a.m. on the assigned day,” she said.

This temporary change in disinfectant does not cause adverse health effects. However, during the period, customers may experience a slight increase in the taste and odor of chlorine. Residents may also notice fire hydrants being flushed during this process, Kerby said. This is necessary to keep water continuously flowing in the water distribution system, she said.

Customers on dialysis who use a proportioning machine to prepare dialysate are advised to contact their physician to obtain the appropriate steps to accommodate the change in water disinfection, Kerby said. Customers who have fish tanks or aquatic species are advised to contact a professional aquarist to avoid any problems associated with chlorine.

Customers may call FGUA office at 239-368-1615 with any questions concerning this temporary change in disinfectants, Kerby said.