The Crescenta Valley Water District (CVWD) will begin using chloramine instead of chlorine to disinfect drinking water supplies beginning on or after Oct. 1.

The CVWD board of directors voted to switch to this popular disinfection method because of a buildup of byproducts from the chlorine treatment process. Persistent drought and diminishing groundwater supplies have forced the District to rely more heavily on imported water, which is prone to increased formation of the byproducts.

Chloramine has been used as a disinfectant since the 1930s. It is formed by combining chlorine with low levels of ammonia and does not form the byproducts, which are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the State of California.

Tap water treated with chloramine is safe for everyone, including children and pregnant women. However, people who use dialysis machines must check with their dialysis service provider to ensure the machines they are using contain the proper filtration system capable of removing chloramine and ammonia from the water. The owners of aquariums and ponds must also take special care because chloramine can harm fish, turtles, frogs and other aquatic animals. Products and filters used to remove chloramine and ammonia are available from pet stores and internet suppliers.

The District will be hosting an informational meeting regarding water disinfection with chloramines on Saturday, Sept. 15 at 9 a.m. at the Glenwood Water Treatment Plant located at 3730 Sycamore Ave. in La Crescenta.

This information will also be presented at the Crescenta Valley Town Council general meeting on Thursday, Sept. 20 in the La Crescenta Library community room, 2809 Foothill Blvd., at 7 p.m.

Questions about this change in treatment should be directed to the District at (818) 248-3925. More information is available on the District’s website www.cvwd.com.