DUNCAN The City of Duncan will be changing its disinfectant at the Water Distribution System from chloramines to free chlorine for about 30 days.

The month-long change is aimed at decreasing nitrogen build-up, which could allow the growth of bacteria in the water, prompting the change in disinfectants annually, Duncan Public Works Director Scott Vaughn said.

Chloramines are weaker than free chlorine, Vaughn said. But chloramines are more stable.

By changing disinfectants, the city is able to purge the system, Vaughn said, which eliminates the potential for nitrogen to be released.

The goal is maintain safe drinking water, he said.

The appearance, taste and smell of the water may change during the 30-day cycle, but Vaughn said it will be safe to drink or use for other purposes, including bathing and washing clothes and dishes.

We used to only use free chlorine, he said. You can think of it as were temporarily going back to the way we used to do it.

In addition to changing disinfectants, the city also will be flushing fire hydrants. Vaughn said the flushing process will start on the extremities of the water system.

The water system is designed to flow east to west. That will be taken into consideration when the city begins the flushing process.

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City of Duncan to temporarily change water disinfectants