Goldsboro, N.C. — The City of Goldsboro’s Water Treatment Plant will begin its annual free chlorine conversion and water line flushing program on Wednesday, May 7, as part of routine maintenance to ensure the safety and quality of the city’s drinking water.

For a period of six weeks, the plant will temporarily stop adding ammonia to its water treatment process and switch to using chlorine-only disinfection. The use of ammonia will resume on Wednesday, June 18.

Goldsboro normally uses chloramine—a disinfectant created by combining chlorine and ammonia—because it is more stable and provides long-lasting protection as water travels through pipes. However, following recommendations from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, the city will transition to chlorine-only disinfection for a minimum of three weeks each year. This switch helps maintain the effectiveness of the water disinfection system and prevent bacterial growth.

During the conversion, residents may notice a slight chlorine taste or odor in their drinking water. These changes are temporary and pose no health risks.

In addition, the city will begin its annual unidirectional water line flushing program on Monday, May 12. Flushing helps clear out any sediment and ensures the system maintains optimal water quality throughout the distribution network. Customers might see temporary discoloration in their water during this process.

Officials emphasize that the water remains safe to drink, but recommend checking water clarity before laundering white clothing to avoid potential staining.

For more information or concerns about water quality during this period, residents are encouraged to contact the Water Treatment Plant at 919-735-3329.