GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Goldsboro water customers may notice a temporary change in the taste, smell or appearance of their tap water beginning Sept. 9 as the city conducts its annual water treatment and distribution system maintenance.
Starting Wednesday, Sept. 9, the City of Goldsboro Water Treatment Plant will temporarily stop adding ammonia to its water treatment disinfection process and transition to chlorine-only disinfection. The change will remain in place for six weeks, with the city scheduled to resume adding ammonia on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
The city’s water treatment plant normally uses chloramine to disinfect drinking water. Chloramine is created by mixing chlorine and ammonia and provides a longer-lasting disinfectant effect as treated water travels through the distribution system to customers.
According to the city, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality recommends that public water systems using chloramine switch to chlorine-only disinfection for at least three consecutive weeks each year. The process helps promote optimal disinfection throughout the water distribution system.
During the temporary change, some customers may notice a stronger chlorine taste or odor in their drinking water.
The City of Goldsboro will also begin its annual unidirectional flushing of the water distribution system on Sept. 9. The flushing process may cause temporary water discoloration in some areas.
City officials stress that the water remains safe to use. Customers who notice discoloration can run their tap for a short period until the water clears.
As a precaution, residents are encouraged to check their water for discoloration before doing laundry, particularly when washing white or light-colored clothing.
The city expects to return to its normal chloramine disinfection process on Oct. 21.
Customers with questions about the temporary treatment change or flushing program can contact the City of Goldsboro at 919-735-3329.






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