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Free Chlorine Conversion 2026
The City is temporarily converting the disinfectant used in the water treatment process from chloramine to free chlorine. The duration of the free chlorine conversion is approximately 30 days and will begin on Wednesday, April 8. The City will return to chloramine disinfection on May 6, 2026.
This change only applies to the main city water system that receives treated surface water. It will not affect customers in Riverpark, Greatwood, or New Territory, as those water systems are independent and already on free chlorine at all times.
What to expect during the temporary change
Generally, there are no noticeable changes in water quality as a result of this temporary conversion. However, some individuals may notice taste and odor changes and a slight discoloration to the water, primarily during the transition period. Noticeable water quality changes associated with conversions are normally short-lived and are not public health risks.
Is the water safe during this change?The water will be safe for people and animals to drink, for cooking and bathing, watering the garden, and for all other common uses. However, people and businesses that normally take special precautions to remove chloramines from tap water, such as dialysis centers, medical facilities, and aquatic pet owners, should confirm whether pretreatment adjustments are necessary during the temporary switch from chloramines to free chlorine. At the conclusion of the conversion period, which will occur on May 6, the City of Sugar Land will convert its disinfection process back to chloramines. |
Why is this necessary?
Sugar Land’s main water system currently uses chloramines (a combination of free chlorine and ammonia) to disinfect its drinking water supply prior to customer distribution. This is a reliable disinfection process that has been recommended by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for systems treating surface water such as the city’s main water system.
It is standard industry practice to periodically convert chloramines back to free chlorine to improve and maintain the highest water quality standards. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the TCEQ support this process as a necessary and effective measure for maintaining water quality.
The city will implement directional flushing, combined with routine water quality monitoring to maintain the highest water quality for customers during the conversion.
Water quality data during the conversion
During the chlorine conversion, city staff will test samples throughout the main water system for free chlorine. The city's target free chlorine residual is between 0.5 to 3.5 milligrams per liter(mg/L).
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
- What is chloramine?
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Chloramine is a disinfectant used in drinking water to inactivate bacteria and viruses. It is typically used for water systems sourced from surface water. The city of Sugar Land uses chloramine as a disinfectant in its Main water system.
- What is free chlorine?
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Free chlorine is a disinfectant used in drinking water to inactivate bacteria and viruses. It is typically used for water systems sourced from groundwater. The City of Sugar Land uses free chlorine as a disinfectant in its RiverPark, Greatwood, and New Territory water systems.
- What is a free chlorine conversion?
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A free chlorine conversion is a process by which a water system temporarily switches its disinfection process from chloramines (a combination of chlorine and ammonia) to free chlorine (chlorine only) in order to improve the long-term quality of its drinking water.
- What is the purpose and/or benefit of a free chlorine conversion?
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The City of Sugar Land’s Main water system uses chloramines for disinfection. Chloramines are a better long-term choice for systems on surface water because they produce lower levels of disinfectant byproducts like trihalomethanes when chlorine mixes with natural organic substances in water. However, prolonged use of chloramine coupled with other factors that can affect water quality, such as high temperatures, may result in the growth and/or persistence of organic matter within the pipes of the distribution system. Though harmless when consumed by humans, this organic matter can introduce unwanted taste and odor, and hinder the ability to maintain an adequate disinfectant residual. A temporary conversion to free chlorine, partnered with flushing activities, clears distribution pipes of this organic matter and improves the quality of your water overall.
- Are free chlorine conversions a common practice among water systems?
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Yes. Free chlorine conversions are a common industry practice for preventative maintenance in drinking water distribution systems. Many utilities throughout the state and country that use chloramines for their primary distribution disinfectant periodically convert back to free chlorine to improve and maintain the highest water quality standards. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) endorse and support this procedure.
- How long will the free chlorine conversion last?
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The duration of the free chlorine conversion is approximately 30 days and will begin on April 8, 2026. The City will return to chloramine disinfection on May 6, 2026.
- Will my water taste or smell different during the free chlorine conversion?
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A chlorine smell is very normal during the conversion period, as the disinfectant is transitioning from chloramines to free chlorine. Free chlorine may have a bit of a chemical odor or smell slightly like water in a swimming pool. Each individual customer has his or her own sensitivity level to the taste and/or odor of free chlorine, though many detect no change at all. Regardless of the form of chlorine in use, concentrations maintained during the conversion will be well within TCEQ and EPA standards and will be entirely safe to consume and use as normal.
- Are free chlorine and chloramines harmful for dialysis patients?
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Both free chlorine and chloramines may harm kidney dialysis patients during the dialysis process if it is not removed from water before passing into the bloodstream. The city will inform dialysis centers in the city of Sugar Land about the temporary switch from chloramine to free chlorine prior to the conversion. Dialysis patients may drink water treated with either free chlorine or chloramines because the digestive process neutralizes these chemicals before they can enter the bloodstream.
- Why all the flushing?
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The City of Sugar Land will directional flush to help maintain clear water for our customers and to ensure the free chlorine has made it to the far reaches of our distribution system. We will repeat the process when we convert back to chloramine. Flushing should significantly subside after the conversion.
- Could I see a drop in water pressure due to hydrant flushing in my area?
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Most customers will not see a drop in water pressure. If a change in pressure does occur, it is usually momentary.
- Can hydrant flushing in my area cause cloudiness or sediment in my water?
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The flushing process can stir up sediments and minerals in water mains that may make it into customer service lines, resulting in some short-term cloudiness or discoloration. If you encounter this condition, flush faucets, tubs and toilets until the water clears. Clothing should not be washed during times of discoloration to reduce the possibility of staining. Prior to washing clothing, customers may want to run a little water in a bathtub to check for discoloration.
- Will pool owners need to treat water differently?
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Pool owners must maintain the same chlorine level in water treated with either free chlorine or chloramines to prevent algae and bacterial growth. Pool supply stores can provide pool owners with more information.
Additional educational resources
Hear from the H2O Pros
Back in 2021, Public Works Director Brian Butscher (formerly Deputy Director) and Surface Water Plant Manager John Bailey explained the city's temporary conversion of the disinfectant used in the water treatment process from chloramine to free chlorine.
This video was recorded in 2021, however, the discussion and information provided is relevant to the 2026 free chlorine conversion process.
Questions?
- Call: 311, 281-275-2900
- Email: 311@sugarlandtx.gov