Dear Sterling Ranch Residents,

Sterling Ranch CAB has been made aware of the recent concerns regarding water discoloration. As reported via the recent email communication, the concern has been identified as a naturally occurring dissolved minerals in the water, manganese, that settle in the pipelines during the winter months when the water usage is low. When this initially occurred, CAB immediately reported the discoloration to Roxborough Water and Sanitation District (RWSD), the district that treats Sterling Ranch’s water supply. RWSD immediately came to Sterling Ranch to perform numerous flushing of the system to remove the discolored water which is normal protocol. Since the initial flush, additional residents have provided feedback that the water now has a chlorine taste and smell. We notified RWSD again and they let us know that they were performing a maintenance or disinfectant of the Drinking Water Distribution System. During this disinfectant period, the Drinking Water Distribution System will use a “free” chlorine residual in the water instead of the usual “chloramines” disinfectant causing a faint chlorine taste and smell to those with acute senses. During this time RWSD has been continuously monitoring the total chlorine in the system and has recorded levels in the range of 0.6 to 0.8 mg/L, which is well below the regulatory requirement. This is a temporary maintenance action. This flush began November 17, 2020 and will continue through January 8, 2020. 

Please note that the water is safe to drink and use normally. If the discoloration in your home is offensive, the best way to resolve the concern is to run water through the bathtub until the discoloration is gone. CAB has requested an addition flush of the hydrant system to remove the discoloration through the fire hydrants. A community wide flush of the system will begin on Monday, December 7, 2020.

If you have concerns, please use the CAB official communication methods. The Sterling Ranch Official Facebook Page is not a method to communicate with CAB as it is not monitored by CAB staff on a regular basis. Please submit questions or concerns regarding water to CAB [email protected]. This is the official and monitored method of communication with CAB.

Here are some FAQ’s for what to expect from the Chlorine Flush of the Drinking Water Distribution System:

What is Free Chlorination?

Free chlorination is a temporary process that distributes free chlorine in place of combined chlorine (chloramines) throughout the water distribution system as part of the annual distribution system maintenance.

Free chlorination is a common practice used by water producers using chloramines as a disinfectant. It is typically performed once a year over a two to three week time period.

What is Chloramine

Chloramine is a bactericidal compound that forms when chlorine and ammonia react together in water. Chloramine is used to purify the drinking water as it leaves the water plant following our primary disinfection process using ultraviolet (UV) light. It is more stable than chlorine, has less of a chlorine odor, and produces fewer potentially harmful by-products.

Will I notice a change in my Water?

Some people may notice a change in the taste, odor and color of water during this time, but adverse health effects are not expected.

If you are especially sensitive to the taste or odor of chlorine, keep an open container of drinking water in your refrigerator for a few hours to allow the chlorine to dissipate.

Some aquatic and marine animal species are sensitive to free chlorine. Persons maintaining aquariums with any sensitive species are encouraged to contact their pet supply stores regarding dechlorinating the water.

Any questions regarding kidney dialysis should be directed to the customer’s doctor or dialysis specialist.

Fire hydrant is flowing on my street, is this part of the process?

Flushing fire hydrants is a routine part of the free chlorination process. This will occur in various parts of the community in order to distribute free chlorinated water into all parts of the water distribution system. As a result, increased flushing may be observed during this time frame.

Why Does it Last for So Long?

This is the length of time needed for the chlorine flush to work effectively.

Will Residents Be Notified When the Process is Complete?

We expect to complete the chlorine flush by January 8, 2021. If for any reason we need to extend this date, you will be notified.