PRESS RELEASE:
ANNUAL WATER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE PLANNED MARCH 2-30, 2026
TEMPORARY CHANGE IN WATER DISINFECTANT IS ESSENTIAL FOR SAFE DRINKING WATER
MELISSA, TX - From March 2 through March 30, 2026, the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), which supplies water to the City of Melissa and other regional communities, will conduct its annual system maintenance. This temporary and routine adjustment to the water treatment process ensures the continued quality and safety of drinking water throughout the year.
“Safeguarding public health and ensuring safe water is our highest priority,” said Zeke Campbell, NTMWD Director of Water Treatment and Conveyance. “Our advanced treatment processes are among the most effective available, providing the communities we serve with safe and reliable drinking water.”
Disinfection is a key step in keeping drinking water free from harmful microorganisms such as parasites and viruses. NTMWD typically uses a chloramine disinfectant (a combination of chlorine and ammonia) to maintain water quality as it travels through the system. During this temporary maintenance period, ammonia is suspended and chlorine is used alone. This change helps prepare the distribution system for warmer months when higher temperatures can increase the risk of bacterial growth.
“This routine, temporary adjustment in water disinfectant is essential for maintaining optimal conditions within our pipelines and ensuring year-round water quality,” added Campbell. “This standard maintenance practice does not increase chlorine levels, and the water remains safe to drink, consistently meeting or exceeding all state and federal drinking water standards.”
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this process is a common practice among water providers using chloramine disinfection. NTMWD follows the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) guidelines for public water systems.
While the absence of ammonia may make the taste or smell of chlorine more noticeable for some, easy steps like refrigerating a pitcher of water overnight or adding a slice of citrus can help. A crushed 1000 mg Vitamin C tablet may also be used to neutralize chlorine in bath water.
NTMWD has implemented this temporary disinfectant conversion for over 15 years and has been recognized by TCEQ as a Superior Public Water System.
During this period, residents may notice water being flushed from fire hydrants, which helps move the chlorine-treated water through the system more efficiently. NTMWD performs hundreds of water quality tests daily at a state-certified lab. Test results, including those from this maintenance window, are available at www.NTMWD.com/watertesting/. The TCEQ also conducts independent testing to verify compliance.
Additional resources, including FAQs, infographics, and water quality guidelines, are available at www.NTMWD.com/SafeWater. Residents are encouraged to check the City of Melissa’s website for local updates or reach out with questions.
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