Lake Tarpon Village: Temporary Disinfection Process Change

Sunshine Water Services, in coordination with Pinellas County Utilities, will
temporarily switch its disinfection system from chloramination (chlorine + ammonia)
to chlorine only on Monday, September 23, 2024 and continue using this
disinfection method until Saturday, October 12, 2024 At that time, the Utility will
once again use ammonia in conjunction with chlorine.

The Lake Tarpon water system uses chloramination (chlorine + ammonia) as a
disinfection method that is consistent with the same disinfection method used by
Pinellas County Utilities. This is because Pinellas County Utilities provides a backup
water supply to Lake Tarpon in the event of an emergency condition or power failure
at Lake Tarpon’s water supply well. By using the same disinfection process, the
interconnection between the two systems can function automatically and thus avoid
any interruption of service.

Why is the disinfection process being changed?
During the 19-day period identified above, Pinellas County Utilities will utilize free
chlorine temporarily as part of their routine distribution system maintenance
program. Because the Lake Tarpon water system is interconnected with Pinellas
County Utilities’ water system as an emergency water supply source, Sunshine Water
Services will adjust its disinfection process simultaneously.

Why is chloramination used for disinfection at Lake Tarpon Village?
While chloramination is an effective alternative to free chlorine in disinfecting drinking
water, it substantially reduces the production of certain disinfection byproducts such
as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) that may otherwise form in
the presence of free chlorine. Converting to free chlorine for about one month
followed by flushing of the system will serve to remove the buildup of organic nitrogen
compounds that may occur over time in the distribution system due to the use of
ammonia in the normal disinfection process.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience. If you should have any questions or concerns, please contact our Customer Service Department at (866) 842-8432.