CITY OF SAND SPRINGS WATER TREATMENT PLANT TEMPORARY DISINFECTION CONVERSION PROCESS – OCTOBER 2025
As part of the City’s regular maintenance program, the Sand Springs Water Treatment Plant will temporarily adjust the disinfection process beginning on October 21, 2025. Visit www.sandspringsok.org/watertreatment or call 918-246-2588 for details.
FAQ
- Why is drinking water disinfected? Disinfection is critical for protecting consumers from disease causing microorganisms, called pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. Disinfectants are very effective at inactivating pathogens.
- What is the current water treatment disinfection method used at the City of Sand Springs? Chloramine. As part of the City’s regular maintenance program, the Sand Springs Water Treatment Plant will temporarily adjust the disinfection process from chloramines to free chlorine on October 21, 2025.
- What is chloramine? Chloramine is a long-lasting disinfectant added to public drinking water for disinfection. It is formed by combining chlorinated water with small amounts of ammonia. It is commonly used for disinfection in many public water systems.
- Why use chloramine? Chloramine is an effective disinfectant and persists over a long period of time particularly in areas with high temperatures.
- Is chloramine safe? Yes, water disinfected with chloramine is safe for drinking, cooking, bathing, and everyday use. Chloramine, like chlorine, must be removed from the water prior to use in dialysis machines and can be harmful to fish and amphibians. Proper filters and de-chlorination products will address these concerns.
- What is free chlorine conversion? A free chlorine conversion occurs when a water system that typically uses chloramine removes ammonia from their treatment process and disinfects the water with only chlorine. This conversion is a common practice by many public water systems throughout the country to help control all forms of microorganisms. The free chlorine conversion process is approved and supported by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Is the chlorine level tested during this temporary disinfection period? Yes, the water is continuously monitored for chlorine levels along with other compounds.
- Is the water safe to drink and use during this temporary disinfection conversion process? Yes, the water is safe to drink during this period. The City recommends customers with fish tanks or those using home kidney dialysis equipment to contact your equipment supplier or medical professional for further instructions and precautions.
- Will customers notice changes in the water during this process? Some customers may notice a slight chlorine taste or odor. There may also be a little cloudiness or drop in pressure while hydrants are being flushed.
- Why are fire hydrants flushed during this process? Flushing hydrants helps to move the chlorine-disinfected water through the system faster. Flushing will also help to reduce the chlorine odor and taste.
- Other questions? Please contact the City of Sand Springs at 918-246-2588 for questions or to report a problem.