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Warning: Tap water in the Five Cities area may smell, taste odd

November 11, 2024

By KAREN VELIE

San Luis Obispo County warns that some residents in the Five Cities area may notice a slight change to the taste or smell of their tap water as the county changes the disinfectant used in the Lopez Project distribution system from Nov. 13 through Dec. 2.

County staff is temporarily switching to “free Chlorine” from chlorine blended with other compounds. “Free chlorine” is the most reactive form of chlorine. It is used to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in water.

Residents of Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, Oceano, Avila Beach, and Port San Luis may detect a taste or odor in their tap water similar to that of a swimming pool.

To reduce or remove free chlorine, you can boil the water, use a carbon filter, or let the water sit uncovered overnight to allow the chlorine to dissipate.

 


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Free chlorine is far safer than chloramine, a mixture of chlorine and ammonia that is toxic to plants and people. Chloramine is what Nipomo switched to because it is cheaper. Chlorinated water can be left out and the chlorine will dissipate, ergo the extra cost. Chloramine is toxic and never goes away.


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There are chloramine blocks for reverse osmosis systems that can remove them. I have had to do that for 20+ years so I don’t kill everything in my reef aquarium from a water change. Chloramines will not off gas though like chlorine and I agree chlorine is much safer and easier to remove. This is one of those cases where people will gladly poison themselves in order to save a few dollars a month on their water bill. If people really cared they would put a stop to chloramine use and pay the higher water rates in order to use a safer product.


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So what else is new…South County water has been sketchy for decades


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