Brainerd's water system will get a taste of chlorine twice a year.
The Brainerd Public Utilities Commission Tuesday approved flushing chlorine through the city's water system twice a year as a maintenance measure. Chlorination will begin next spring.
Flushing the city's water with chlorine comes about two months after the city found total coliform bacteria in its water system, forcing the city to flush the system with chlorine to disinfect against the bacteria.
Brainerd started chlorinating the city's water delivery system soon after total coliform was first detected Aug. 21 at a construction site on South Eighth Street.
About a month ago, after flushing the chlorine out of the system, tests by the Minnesota Department of Health showed the bacteria remained near South Eighth Street but no where else in the city. Chlorination was restarted and more tests of the system were ordered. When the water was tested Oct. 2, the presence of total coliform bacteria was no longer detected.
Tom Phelps, Brainerd Public Utilities superintendent, said the water department would chlorinate the water when needed. He said the city would inform the public when the chlorination would take place.
Phelps said the state told the city that it could chlorinate its water continuously. Phelps said it would be up to the Brainerd City Council to make that decision. If the city should consider that option, public input would be sought, Phelps said.
He said there are many advantages and disadvantages to chlorinating the city water on an ongoing basis. One disadvantage is it would be more costly, he said.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.
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