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1. Why did the City switch from chlorine to monochloramine?

We have tried chlorine as a secondary disinfectant option at the Oxford reservoir but the chlorine is reacting with the naturally occurring manganese causing taste, turbidity (cloudiness), colour, and odour issues. While the water is safe, to control these aesthetic issues, it is necessary to switch to monochloramine as the secondary disinfection option.

Treating the Oxford reservoir with monochloramine will align it with the treatment process of the Merklin reservoir allowing for a uniform secondary disinfection process common in most jurisdictions.

2. Why did the City initially decide to use chlorine?

While experts recommended the use of monochloramine, a group of concerned citizens advocated for the use of chlorine. Council listened to the group’s concerns and directed staff to develop a plan to use chlorine as the secondary disinfection option. The water is still safe but the chlorine is reacting with the naturally occurring manganese in our pipes and is causing taste, turbidity (cloudiness), colour, and odour issues.

3. Why was monochloramine not used from the outset?

Both chlorine and monochloramine are effective treatment options and approved by the Fraser Health Authority. While experts recommended the use of monochloramine, a group of concerned citizens advocated for the use of chlorine. Council listened to the group’s concerns and directed staff to develop a plan to use chlorine as the secondary disinfection option.

4. Has Fraser Health Authority mandated and/or approved the use of monochloramine over chlorine?

Fraser Health Authority has approved both chlorine and monochloramine as a secondary disinfectant.