DECATUR, Texas — There’s hope for Decatur water users plagued with a bad taste and smell as the city is switching its usual method of treating drinking water this month.
On Sept. 1, the City of Decatur announced it would be temporarily changing its disinfection method from chloramine to "free chlorine" for 30 days.
The switch to the stronger disinfectant as the two mixes in the system is what causes the bad taste and odor according to the city. The water has and will remain safe and drinkable throughout according to city officials.
"We’d like to reassure the community that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) conducted random water testing last week and confirmed that our system is operating within normal limits," the city said in a statement.
The city said it has received complaints from residents including some on James St. One WFAA viewer said the water smelled like rotten eggs and sewage.
The city said crews took immediate action with "additional flushing and clearing at specific addresses."
Standard flushing measures are also underway to ensure proper chlorine distribution throughout the citywide system, with over 35 flush locations currently in operation, according to the city.
If residents continue to experience odor issues after flushing their systems, they need to contact the department online here or call 940-393-0260.
"This temporary inconvenience is part of an annual ongoing effort to provide the highest quality drinking water," the city said in a statement.
The water treatment process will continue through Sept. 30.
Additional information about the citywide free chlorine disinfection treatment process can be found on the city's website.
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