CARY/APEX WATER PLANT TO BEGIN

ANNUAL DISINFECTION PROCESS

CARY , NC – In accordance with state and federal regulations, the Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility will temporarily stop adding ammonia to its water treatment disinfection process beginning Wednesday, March 1, 2006 .  Customers who use kidney dialysis machines should be aware that water may contain chlorine, ammonia, or a mixture of the two at the beginning and end of March.  This month-long, annual process is required of municipal water systems and is being conducted in conjunction with other towns and cities in the area.  The water plant will resume adding ammonia to the water treatment process on Saturday, April 1, 2006 .  

The Town uses chlorine as a disinfectant in its water treatment process but began adding ammonia to the process in 1993 to help reduce the amount of trihalomethanes, a byproduct formed when water is disinfected with chlorine.  The State of North Carolina requires all water systems that add ammonia cleanse their system annually by switching to free chlorine and flushing the system.

The Cary/Apex plant provides treated water to Cary , Apex, Morrisville, the Raleigh-Durham International Airport , and the Wake County portion of Research Triangle Park .  

“Most customers will not notice a difference in their water during March,” said Rob Bonné, Cary ’s Utilities Division Director.  “A few residents may notice an increase in chlorine odor, and in some cases, water may be slightly discolored.”  Bonné pointed out that these temporary changes are a normal part of the process.  

Customers are encouraged to check their water before washing white clothes.  If the water appears discolored, try flushing all house faucets for a few minutes.  Customers who have questions or who have water that fails to clear should call the Town of Cary Public Works & Utilities Department at (919) 469-4090.  

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