Chlorination time in Post Falls
As the weather cools and sprinkler systems are blown-out for the winter season, the Post Falls Water District will begin the annual chlorination of the water system.
ELLI GOLDMAN HILBERT/Press
POST FALLS — The Post Falls Water Division will begin its annual chlorination program of the city’s water systems.
Sometime after Oct. 1 they will flush the system with chlorine. The chlorination program has been in operation for the past 20 years, said Matt Isch, chief operator of the water division.
Isch said that in the fall, when temperatures begin to go down and less water is being used for yard maintenance, the ground temperatures remain fairly warm.
“These shallow irrigation lines are then more prone to grow coliform bacteria,” he said.
This is the time of year that sprinkler systems also get blown out and the stagnant water in the irrigation lines “can pose a risk if it gets pushed into the water system,” Isch said.
The chlorine treatment is designed to target coliform, fecal and e-coli bacterias. The city of Post Falls takes 20 water samples monthly to test for these contaminants. In the past, this reduction in water usage when paired with irrigation system blow-outs has resulted in some positive tests for coliform bacteria, Isch said.
“However, the city has never had any positive results for fecal or e-coli bacteria,” he said.
The city considers the fact that some residents are sensitive to the chlorine.
“Customers have contacted us asking about chlorine in the water because they are on medication that reacts with it,” Isch said. “Others dislike the taste and odor and some medical facilities will filter their incoming water during this time.”
The city notifies residents via monthly bills, social media, its website, press releases, email and regular mail. If residents would like to join a direct email list, they can send an email to WaterDivision@postfallsidaho.org.