Chloramine Conversion

On February 2, 2004, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission changed its water disinfectant from chlorine to chloramine to comply with water regulations, and to result in a higher quality drinking water supply. Chloramines are now used instead of chlorine to protect our drinking water from harmful bacteria.

Chloramine has highly desirable characteristics of being longer lasting and more stable. It has been is use in the City’s Industrial area, which is supplied by Santa Clara Valley Water District, since 1993

Please read the following documents for detailed information. If you have additional questions or would like to request a hard copy of available brochures, please call 408–586–3348.

NOTE: Chloraminated water is safe to drink but may cause certain rubber plumbing components to deteriorate more quickly, resulting in cracking and swelling. Higher water temperatures increase the deterioration rate. Though rare, signs of degradation can include small black flakes in water and plumbing fixtures. As rubber plumbing parts wear out, consumers should replace them with chloramine resistant materials such as hard rubbers (synthetic polymer), flexible copper tubing, tubing made of corrugated stainless flex, or newer neoprene braided stainless steel. These products are available at your local hardware and plumbing supply stores.

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission:

http://better.sfwater.org

Fish and Amphibian-Related Info:

www.sfaquarium.org

www.aquariacentral.com

Dialysis-Related Info:

www.network17.org