If your tap water starts smelling a little off in early April, don’t panic – and definitely don’t stop drinking it.

The City of Greensboro is once again wrapping up its annual Temporary Free-Chlorine Conversion Program – a routine maintenance effort that can leave some residents noticing slight changes in taste or odor. The program officially ends Monday, April 6, when the city switches back to its normal disinfectant system using chloramines.

And yes – that “funky” smell some people notice during this transition is expected.

City officials say the changeover process takes about five days and is coordinated with several neighboring water systems across the region, including Archdale, Burlington, High Point, Jamestown, Randleman, Reidsville and the Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority.

The important part: The water remains safe the entire time.

According to the city, both chlorine and chloramines are federally and state-approved disinfectants used to keep drinking water free from harmful bacteria. The temporary switch is designed to clean and stabilize the distribution system – essentially giving the pipes a periodic reset.

That doesn’t mean your nose won’t notice something different.

During the transition, residents might detect changes in color, taste or smell.

Chlorine, in particular, tends to produce a stronger odor than chloramines, which is why some people describe the water as having a “swimming pool” smell during parts of the process.

However, city officials stress that this is normal and not a sign of contamination or declining water quality.

Interestingly, the city is required by law to maintain a certain level of disinfectant in the water all the way to customers’ taps. That means occasional chlorine smells can happen even outside of the conversion period, though they are usually less noticeable.

For residents who find the odor unpleasant, there are a few simple fixes.

One option is to fill a container with tap water and let it sit in the refrigerator with the lid slightly loose. Over time, the chlorine will dissipate, reducing the smell.

Another option is to use a standard water pitcher with an activated carbon filter, which is designed to remove chlorine and improve taste.

More permanent solutions include installing point-of-use filtration devices on kitchen faucets, though those systems require maintenance and regular cartridge replacement to remain effective.

The city also notes that water treated through filtration systems should be handled carefully. Once chlorine is removed, the water no longer has the same protection against bacteria, so it should be stored in clean, sealed containers and refrigerated if kept for later use.

And, of course, you could always head down to Harris Teeter and pick up a case of bottled water; however, that’s gotten more expensive like everything else in the world these days.

While most residents won’t need to take any special action, a few groups are advised to pay closer attention.

People undergoing kidney dialysis, for instance, rely on highly controlled water treatment systems and must ensure that both chlorine and chloramines are removed before use.

Similarly, aquarium owners, fish pond operators and certain businesses that depend on precise water chemistry may need to adjust their filtration systems during the transition.

City officials say those customers are typically contacted directly with guidance on how to handle the change.

For everyone else, it’s business as usual – even if the water smells a little different for a few days.

This annual conversion program dates back to a broader shift that occurred in 2011, when Greensboro and surrounding utilities moved from chlorine to chloramines as their primary disinfectant in order to meet updated water quality regulations. Since then, the temporary switch back to chlorine has become a standard part of maintaining the system.

In other words, this isn’t new – even if it catches people off guard every year.

Residents who want updates on the timing of the switch can sign up for notifications through the city’s website. Those with specific concerns can also contact the city’s water quality laboratory directly.

About