Submitted

Trenton Municipal Utilities’ Water Treatment Plant will begin using free chlorine in its water system on April 1, 2026, as part of a temporary free chlorine conversion expected to last six to eight weeks.

The process involves using free chlorine instead of chloramines, which combine chlorine and ammonia, as the disinfectant leaving the water treatment plant. The change will affect customers of Trenton Municipal Utilities, Grundy County Public Water Supply District No. 1, the cities of Galt and Spickard, and western Sullivan County customers using water from TMU.

Officials said there are no health risks associated with the process. During efforts to improve water quality, customers may notice lower water pressure, possible odor, taste changes, discoloration and small particles in the water. TMU and local water providers will attempt to remove particles, color, taste and odor from the mains through directional flushing, although some issues may still reach individual service lines.

TMU said the water will remain safe to drink throughout the conversion and disinfectant levels will be monitored continually. Officials said odor or taste in the water does not mean it is unsafe, but rather is caused by the free chlorine cleansing the system. Those nuisance issues are expected to go away once the work is completed.

The utility said the conversion is necessary to help maintain acceptable water quality throughout the system. Over time, naturally occurring minerals and metals can build up on pipe walls and may be released when pressure changes occur, causing discoloration and affecting taste. Officials said nitrification and biofilm growth can also develop in the water distribution system, reducing the effectiveness of residual disinfectants. The free chlorine conversion is intended to help cleanse pipe walls, reduce nitrification and biofilm, and improve overall water quality.

Flushing is scheduled to begin April 6, 2026, west of the railroad tracks near the water treatment plant.

Residents with questions or concerns are asked to contact the Water Treatment Plant at 660-359-3211.