Melbourne city officials are warning people who use kidney dialysis machines and aquarium owners of a change in disinfection method set to begin March 2.
Melbourne water customers might notice a chlorine odor in their tap water, beginning March 2 and ending March 30.
During this period, the city will be temporarily changing its water disinfection method in order to maintain protection against potential microorganism contamination and to help ensure the water remains safe.
"This temporary change in water chemistry will not affect the safety of water for drinking for the vast majority of our customers," said Harold Nantz, assistant public works and utilities director for the city. "However, if you are sensitive to taste or smell of chlorine, you can collect waiter in a container and place it in your refrigerator for a few hours. This will allow much of the chlorine to leave the water."
During the first and last week of the three-week period, people who use kidney dialysis machines should be aware that their water may contain chlorine, ammonia and/or a mixture of the two. During the middle of the week, the water should contain free chlorine only. Other specialized users of water, such as fish owners, stores and restaurants with fish aquariums and holding tanks for fish and shellfish, along with hospitals, blood/dialysis clinics or users of home dialysis equipment.
Go here for a list of frequently asked questions about the water change.
For more information on the temporary change, go here.