Annual citywide chlorine burns may become less necessary in Laredo, Texas, with a water treatment upgrade that could also address residents' complaints about tap water taste and smell.
Here's what to know
Better-tasting, better-smelling tap water is the goal Laredo Utilities Department officials have for a chlorine dioxide unit being installed at the Jefferson Water Plant, according to KGNS.
The system's startup date remains undecided, although installation is expected to finish within the first two weeks of November.
More background
Laredo Utilities Department officials point to the Rio Grande when explaining the water's unpleasant taste and smell. They attribute both to algae blooms, which high summer temperatures commonly trigger.
What's being done?
Annual citywide chlorine water burns may no longer be needed — or could be postponed — with the chlorine dioxide system.
Laredo Utilities Department officials emphasized that evidence the system works would have to come first.
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No changes to the chlorine-burn schedule have been announced.
Ralph Trevino, Laredo Utilities Department's assistant director, acknowledged residents' concerns and explained what officials hope the upgrade will accomplish.
"I know there were complaints and issues about odor and taste, so this is a unit that is hopefully going to be assisting us with that," Trevino said.
Where can I learn more?
Water treatment problems and aging pipes have also troubled communities beyond Laredo.
• Houston residents found brown water containing high iron levels flowing from their taps.
• A Texas Hill Country homeowner with sulfur-smelling hard water received three additional water tests.
• In Texas, Ventana residents faced a boil-water notice after pressure dropped, raising bacteria concerns.
• Zavalla, Texas, received $5.3 million to replace aging pipes after losing 30% of its water.
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