Water notice issued by GIWA: Temporary changes in water beginning this week

BY BONNIE PRINGLE - Gasparilla Island Water Association, Inc. (GIWA) will be temporarily changing the disinfection process for its Placida and Boca Grande potable (drinking water) water supply.  

From May 21, 2012 at 8 a.m. through July 2, 2012, GIWA 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 GIWA to perform a water-distribution-system purge as recommended by the Department of Environmental Protection for water utilities using chloramines as their primary disinfectant.

This temporary change in disinfectant does not cause adverse health effects. However, during the period customers may experience a slight increase in taste, odor and color of the water due to the change in treatment.

Customers on kidney dialysis who use a proportioning machine to prepare dialysate at home are advised to contact their equipment supplier or physician to take any appropriate steps to accommodate the change in water disinfection and to install the proper filtering devices, if needed.

Customers who have fish tanks or other aquatic species are advised to contact the local pet store to ensure proper pretreatment of the water before adding or changing the water in the tank to avoid any problems. associated with chlorine.

If you have any questions concerning this change in disinfectants please call Bonnie Pringle at 964-2423.