Key Takeaways:

• What it Is: For about one month every spring, the NTMWD temporarily stops using chloramine and switches to "free chlorine" as its disinfectant.
• Why They Do It: This "chlorine burnout" is a routine, preventive maintenance measure to ensure the entire water distribution system remains clean and free of biofilm.
• What You'll Notice: Free chlorine has a much stronger, "swimming pool" smell and taste than chloramine, which is why it's so noticeable during this period.
• The Best Solution: A whole-home carbon filtration system is highly effective at removing both chloramine (the rest of the year) and free chlorine (during the maintenance period), ensuring your water always tastes great.

If you live in one of the many North Texas cities served by the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD)—including Plano, Frisco, McKinney, and Rockwall—you've likely noticed it. For about a month every spring (typically in March), your tap water suddenly starts to smell and taste strongly of chlorine.

This is not an emergency; it's a planned and necessary process called the annual chlorine maintenance.

Chloramine vs. Free Chlorine

For most of the year, the NTMWD uses chloramine to disinfect the water supply. Chloramine is a stable compound of chlorine and ammonia that provides long-lasting disinfection as water travels through miles of pipes. It also has a less noticeable taste and odor than chlorine alone.

However, to ensure the entire system stays clean, the NTMWD temporarily switches to using free chlorine for about four weeks. Free chlorine is a more aggressive disinfectant. This short, annual "burnout" effectively cleans the pipes and prevents the buildup of harmless but potentially problematic microorganisms.

Is it Safe to Drink?

Yes. According to the NTMWD and the EPA, the water remains safe to drink and use throughout the chlorine maintenance period. The only difference most residents will notice is the aesthetic change in taste and smell. However, for those with sensitive skin, the higher concentration of chlorine can be more drying.

The Best Way to Handle the Chlorine Burn

While you can't stop the annual maintenance, you can completely eliminate its effects within your home. A whole-home carbon filtration system is the ideal solution.

A quality system with catalytic carbon is designed to remove chloramine for the other 11 months of the year, but it's also extremely effective at removing the free chlorine during the maintenance period. With a whole-home filter, you'll have great-tasting, odor-free water from every tap, 365 days a year, regardless of what the city is doing.

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Reviewed by Sai Akash Tumu, TCEQ Licensed Water Treatment Specialist (#WT0007448). Our approach is to educate first. For a personalized assessment, contact us for a free consultation.

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Water conditions vary, and we recommend a professional on-site water test for an accurate solution. This is not medical advice. Read full disclaimer >