Beginning March 13 and continuing until April 17, the City of Kinston, Deep Run Water  Corporation, North Lenoir Water Corporation Town of Grifton and Town of Pink Hill will temporarily change the disinfectant used in the water treatment process. Chlorine  will be used rather than chloramines during this five-week period.  

Since March 2009, these water systems, all members of the Neuse Regional Water and  Sewer Authority, have used chloramines, a mixture of chlorine and ammonia, as the  disinfectant in its water treatment process. “Chloramines are an effective disinfectant  and also reduce the level of byproducts that are regulated by the US Environmental  Protection Agency.” “State drinking water guidelines recommend that water systems  using chloramines periodically switch back to free chlorine (chlorine alone) for a  minimum of four weeks. This brief, scheduled change in disinfectant is a standard water  treatment practice to keep water mains clean and free of potentially harmful bacteria  throughout the year.”  

During the temporary switch to free chlorine, customers may notice a slight change in  the taste or smell of their tap water. The mild chlorine taste and smell is normal and  poses no health risk. Most customers will not need to take any precautions as the water  remains safe to drink and is treated according to both state and federal standards. 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  continue to take the same precautions during the temporary switch from chloramines to  free chlorine.  

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your water  provider at the appropriate number listed below: 

City of Kinston 252-939-3282 

Deep Run Water Corporation 252-568-3006 

North Lenoir Water Corporation 252-527-8352 

Town of Grifton 252-524-5168 

Town of Pink Hill 252-568-3181