The purpose of Waterfest is to encourages the public to see first-hand how drinking water is purified and learn about water conservation and protecting water, all while having a good time. The event stresses water quality, wastewater treatment and other issues related to the care and preservation of this precious natural resource. Most complaints have been in the Saginaw area. A malfunction in the chemical dispensing system on Thursday, Feb. 25 at the Eagle Mountain Water Treatment Plant prevented the adding of ammonia. Consequently, only chlorine was added, causing the odor problem.
Chlorine is actually a more powerful disinfectant than chloramine.
The Fort Worth Water Departments uses chloramine to reduce the odor problem, and chloramine lasts longer in the system. The problem occurred during start-up of the treatment plant, which had been out of service for construction associated with plant expansion. The problem was corrected late Thursday afternoon and the odor problem should be eliminated once supplies of the chlorine-only water are depleted. The water department assures customers the water is safe for drinking, cooking, bathing and all other purposes. The Fort Worth Water Department advises residents to be suspicious of men posing as Water Department employees to gain access to homes.