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ChloraminesSome of the files below are Adobe® PDF documents. An Important Message from City of ClearwaterAbout ChloraminesSpecial care for dialysis patients and aquatic lifeAn Important Message from City of ClearwaterIn May 2002, the disinfectant used by the City of Clearwater Public Utilities
for the treatment of our potable (drinking) water changed to chloramines
instead of chlorine. Chloramine, a form of disinfectant produced by combining
chlorine with ammonia, is a disinfectant that destroys potentially harmful
bacteria should they enter the potable water system. Special care for dialysis patients and aquatic lifeChloramines have been used safely in the United States and Canada for many years. For most normal uses of potable water, chloraminated water is the same as chlorinated water. There are two groups of people, however, who need to take special care with chloraminated water: kidney dialysis patients and fish owners. Chloramines must be removed from the water used in the kidney dialysis process and from water that is used in fish tanks and ponds. Kidney Dialysis Kidney dialysis patients can safely drink, cook, and bathe in chloraminated water. However, chloramines must be removed from the water used in kidney dialysis machines. Dialysis systems will require some modifications to remove the chloramines. Check with your physician to be certain the necessary changes are made. All medical facilities that perform kidney dialysis have been notified of this change to chloraminated water treatment. According to the ESRD [End Stage Renal Disease] federal regulations, these facilities are responsible for purifying the water that enters the dialysis machines. Aquatic Life Chloramines are toxic to saltwater and freshwater fish, reptiles, turtles
and amphibians, and must be removed from any water to be used for fish
tanks or ponds. Chloramines in water do not dissipate (evaporate) as readily
as chlorine, therefore, specific steps must be taken for their removal.
Chloramines can be removed from the water by using a water conditioner
specifically designed to remove chloramines or by using a granular activated
carbon filter. Your pet products supplier should be able to provide any
further guidance you may need on these products. Ammonia can be toxic
to fish. Biological filters, natural zeolites, and pH control methods
are effective in reducing the toxic effects of excess ammonia that may
be present in aquarium water due to the chemical removal of chloramines. |
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