Water System Chlorination started June 24, 2024

GRPU’s primary responsibility is to protect public health. More than thirty cases of Legionnaires' disease have been confirmed in Grand Rapids since April 2023. To date, Legionella pneumophila has been detected in nearly half the buildings’ water samples, but not in the GRPU distribution system.  Adding a disinfectant residual in the water at the treatment plant is the only consistent way of treating all the buildings tested (and protects those who’ve not yet been tested). It’s not feasible to add chlorine to numerous individual buildings and doing so would trigger additional federal and state regulations. 

On June 24, 2024, GRPU began introducing a disinfectant (monochloramine) into the water system. Monochloramine is commonly used throughout the United States and in Minnesota to disinfect drinking water and provides longer-lasting disinfection as the water moves through the pipes to our customers.  The disinfectant will provide a level of protection to the drinking water for any bacteria that may be present in the water supply and building plumbing systems. The monochloramine disinfection is a permanent operational change to the GRPU water supply system.

In the beginning of this new process, the addition of monochloramine may react with existing iron and/or manganese in the water mains which can cause the water to become a black or reddish-brown color temporarily.  GRPU will actively monitor and flush mains to reduce these issues.   

What should and shouldn’t I do?

• Let water run for a few minutes to flush plumbing of discolored water before using for drinking, cooking or laundry. 
• Do not use chloraminated water in fish tanks and bait shops without proper treatment.
• Contact your health care provider for more information if you are on kidney dialysis or if you experience an adverse medical conditions.
• You do not need to boil your water.

What may be the health effects?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states monochloramine has been used as a drinking water disinfectant for more than 90 years.  More than 1 in 5 Americans use drinking water treated with monochloramine.  The EPA requires water utilities to meet strict health standards and limits the amount of disinfectant in drinking water to levels that are safe for human consumption. Chloraminated water is safe for bathing, drinking, cooking and all uses of every day water use; however kidney dialysis patients, fish owners, and industrial users need to take special care with chloraminated water.  The level of monochloramine used in GRPU's drinking water disinfection is monitored to meet regulatory standards. EPA states there are no known adverse health effects, including skin problems. Individuals who may experience health problems and believe it is related to monochloramine should consult with their doctors.