Wellman water supply temporarily using chloramine

WELLMAN — After a motor failure in Wellman’s main water well April 30, the city switched its supply to a second well. To do so, operators had to change what chemical they used to treat the water from chlorine to chloramine.

“We had to switch to a different well, and the water chemistry is different, so we had to switch to a different form of chlorination,” Wellman Water and Wastewater Superintendent Tim Garrett said. “There is pretty high ammonia in the water, and the ammonia reacts with the chlorine differently.”

Garrett said the city expected to return to its main well, treated by chlorine, by Wednesday or Tuesday this week.

In the meantime, the city has warned residents with kidney issues to proceed with caution.

“The change to chloramines can cause problems to persons dependent on dialysis machines,” a post on the city’s Facebook page said. “A condition known as hemolytic anemia can occur if the disinfectant is not completely removed from the water that is used for the dialysate … the pretreatment scheme used for the dialysis unit must include some means, such as a charcoal filter, for removing the chloramine.“

The post also warned of hazards to water-breathing pets.

“Chloraminated water may be toxic to fish,” it said. “If you have a fish tank, please make sure that the chemicals or filters that you are using are designed for use in water that has been treated with chloramines. You may also need to change the type of filter that you use for the fish tank.”

To stay on the safe side, Garrett said the city was taking extra precautions as well.

“We are taking extra sampling to make sure that everything is where it needs to be from a safety standpoint,” he said. “We have had conversations with the DNR so they’re fully aware of what’s going on and what we’re doing. We should be back in operation real soon.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com