If you live near Piedmont Triad International Airport, on Monday, Nov. 22, you may notice that your water smells or tastes different.

In the rest of the city, water customers may notice similar changes in their water later this month or in early December.

According to the Greensboro Water Resources Department, despite the fact that there may be temporary differences in the color, taste and odor of their city water, this is normal and the quality of the water is not affected.

As part of routine maintenance of the water distribution system, on Monday, Nov. 22, the city will begin the switch from using choramines to stabilize water quality to using free chlorination.  The water will continue to meet all federal and state standards for drinking water and is safe for consumption and use. Both chlorinated and chloraminated water are safe for drinking, cooking and general uses.

The switch to free chlorination will be in effect until mid-April when the system will be switched back to using chloramines.

According to the Greensboro Water Resources Department, this is a routine procedure to optimize water quality in the distribution system and Greensboro, Archdale, Burlington, High Point, Jamestown, Randleman, Reidsville and the Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority are all participating in this temporary transition from chloramines to free chlorination.

Specialized industries such as medical facilities offering kidney dialysis, owners of fish tanks and ponds, and some businesses that use water in their production process are advised to take precautions during this switch in the water stabilization process and be aware that the change may require adjustments to their usual filtration and treatment systems.  The Greensboro Water Resources Department plans to contact these water customers directly and they are advised to seek professional advice on the proper removal methods for chloramies and chlorine.