Could water disinfected with either free chlorine or chloramines be harmful to dialysis patients if it is used in the dialysis process?

Both free chlorine and chloramines may harm kidney dialysis patients during the dialysis process if they are not removed from the water before it passes into the bloodstream. Because dialysis centers use special water treatment processes to prevent adverse impacts to patients during dialysis therapy, Spotsylvania County Utilities notifies all centers in its service area about the conversion to free chlorine each year prior to the change of disinfectant. Like everyone else, dialysis patients may drink water treated with either free chlorine or chloramines because the digestive process neutralizes these chemicals before they enter the bloodstream.

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1. What is the Annual Water Main Flushing Program?
2. When will crews be in my area?
3. What is the change in the disinfection process during the flushing period?
4. What are chloramines?
5. What is free chlorine?
6. Why is the water that Utilities distributes to customers disinfected with free chlorine instead of chloramines each Spring?
7. How long will free chlorine be used to disinfect my drinking water this year?
8. Is water disinfected with either free chlorine or chloramines safe to consume?
9. Could water disinfected with either free chlorine or chloramines be harmful to dialysis patients if it is used in the dialysis process?
10. Will my water taste different during the temporary conversion to free chlorine?
11. Will chloramines affect household plumbing, pipes and/or water heaters?
12. How can I remove the chlorine taste from my water?
13. Will pool owners need to treat water differently?
14. What does the term hydrant flushing mean?
15. Could I see a drop in water pressure due to hydrant flushing in my area?
16. Can hydrant flushing in my area cause cloudiness or sediment in my water?
17. How can I get more information about Spotsylvania County Utilities water quality?