The City of Kirksville will temporarily convert from using chloramines to free chlorine in the water treatment process beginning April 13, 2026, and continuing through May 31, 2026.

Public water systems are required to disinfect water before providing it to consumers. Chloramines are commonly used because they provide long-lasting disinfection. It is a common practice to periodically convert chloramines to free chlorine as a method of preventative maintenance. This process, combined with flushing activities, helps clean the distribution system and maintain water quality. 

During this temporary conversion, customers may notice a slight chlorine taste or odor. Systemwide flushing of the water mains may stir up sediment and could cause temporary cloudy water. These conditions are normal, and the water will remain safe to drink, cook with, and use for all household purposes.

Customers who use home dialysis equipment, maintain aquariums, or operate water treatment devices that remove disinfectants should contact their equipment supplier or service provider for guidance during this period.

Q: What is a “free chlorine conversion”?

A: A free chlorine conversion is a process by which a water system temporarily switches its disinfection process from chloramines (a combination of chlorine and ammonia) to free chlorine to improve the long-term quality of its drinking water.

Q: Does the “free chlorine conversion” pose any health risks? Will the water be safe to drink and use?

A: The process is safe and poses no health risks to customers. The water is safe to drink, and customers can use the water as normal.

Q: Why is the Kirksville Public Works Department implementing a “free chlorine conversion”?

A: To improve the overall water quality in our distribution system by preventing or eliminating issues due to mineral accumulation, biofilm, or nitrification.

Q: Is this the first time that the Kirksville Public Works Department has implemented a free chlorine conversion?

A: No. This is a regular part of maintaining the City’s water distribution system.

Q: Are “free chlorine conversions” a common practice among water systems?

A: Yes. This is a common industry standard for preventative maintenance in drinking water distribution systems. Many utilities throughout both states and across the country that use chloramines for their primary distribution disinfectant convert to free chlorine regularly. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources endorse and support this procedure. Many Missouri cities do a free chlorine conversion annually. 

Q: How long will the “free chlorine conversion” last?

A: The duration of the “free chlorine conversion” is planned for approximately six weeks (April 13, 2026, until May 31, 2026).

Q: Why all the flushing?

A: To make the process as efficient as possible, the City of Kirksville will directionally flush our water system to move the free chlorine throughout our water mains as quickly as possible. This will involve flushing from hydrants and lowering and refilling our water towers. This process is expected to take approximately 7 to 10 days.  

Q: I have low water pressure. What do I do?

A: Due to the flushing taking place during this conversion, customers may notice a temporary change in water pressure.  If you are completely out of water, or have extremely low water pressures, contact the Public Works Department or – if outside the Kirksville city limits – the Adair County Public Water Supply District. 

Q: I have discolored water. What do I do?

A: Flush toilets, bathtubs, and faucets until your water clears. If it does not clear with minor indoor flushing, contact the Public Works Department or – if outside the Kirksville city limits – the Adair County Public Water Supply District, so they can determine whether additional flushing in your area is warranted. Although discolored, the water is safe. 

Q: My water has a strong chlorine smell. What is going on?

A: A chlorine smell is common during the conversion period, as the disinfectant is transitioning from chloramines to free chlorine. Chlorine concentrations maintained during the conversion will be well within the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and EPA standards, and will be entirely safe to consume and use as normal.

Q: Will my clothing be safe in the laundry?

A: Yes, but as a safeguard, do not wash clothing if you have noticed discoloration or cloudy water. Some people verify that their water is not discolored by running one to two inches of water in the bathtub to check for discoloration before running a load of laundry. This discoloration could be from private service lines, so to be safe, just flush your system until you get clear water. 

Q: What do I need to know if I am on dialysis?

A: Customers who use home dialysis equipment or operate water treatment devices that remove disinfectants should contact their equipment supplier or service provider for guidance during this period.

Q: I have a fish tank. How will it affect my fish?

A: Customers who maintain aquariums should contact their equipment supplier or service provider for guidance during this period.

Q: I have additional questions. Who should I contact?

A: Residents of the City of Kirksville should contact the Public Works Department at 660.627.1291. Residents of Adair County outside the city limits should contact the Adair County Public Water Supply at 660.665.8378 or their local water service provider.