CITY OF SUFFOLK TO TEMPORARILY CONVERT DRINKING WATER DISINFECTANT TO FREE CHLORINE

SUFFOLK, VA (February 24, 2023) The City of Suffolk Department of Public Utilities, along with the Cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, and Isle of Wight County, will temporarily switch from chloramines to free chlorine as the drinking water disinfecting agent added to City water.   This is a water distribution maintenance procedure used to enhance drinking water quality.  This change, which will be done in accordance with state and federal regulations, will pose no impact on public health or on the safety of City water.  The switch to free chlorine will be from March 8, 2023, until March 29, 2023.  

This temporary change will affect water for all customers who receive City of Suffolk water.  It is possible that customers may notice a chlorine-like smell, often referred to as a “swimming pool smell,” during the change.  This is normal, not harmful, and you will not need to do anything.  Also, it is possible that you may notice brief discoloration – again, this is normal and will dissipate as the change continues.   

Kidney dialysis patients and fish owners should continue to follow the standard water treatment process for chloramines, as this also removes free chlorine.

City of Suffolk Department of Public Utilities has provided the attached Frequently Asked Questions document for informational purposes. For additional information, residents can contact (757) 514-7040, or (757) 514-7034 after 4:00 p.m.

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