City of Rocky Mount

Department of Water Resources – Chloramine Conversion

Important Information For Aquarium/Pond Owners

The first quarter of 2003 the City of Rocky Mount will change the disinfectant used in drinking water. This change was made to improve the cities water quality and meet new federal and state drinking water regulations. We will switch from chlorine disinfection to chloramine disinfection. Chloramination is not a new disinfection process; in fact, it has already been successfully used through the United States and Canada.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) requires that the city disinfect its drinking water. Chloramines are recognized as a safe form of drinking water disinfection.

What does this mean to you?

· Like chlorine, chloramines must be removed from water before it is used in aquariums or ponds. Chloramines are only harmful when they directly enter the bloodstream. Because fish take chloramines directly from the water into their bloodstream, you will need to remove the chloramines from the water used by your fish and other aquatic animals.

· Water conditioners specifically designed for removing chloramines are commercially available. This process is similar to what you currently do to remove chlorine. Your pet store or pet supplier should be able to provide you with dechloramination products and instructions.

How do chloramines affect fish?

Chloramines are harmful to fish and must be removed from water just as chlorine is harmful and must be removed. You may not have to remove chlorine from your aquarium water, however, because it breaks up rapidly on its own. This is not the case with chloramines, so steps should be taken to remove chloramines. Most pet stores have sold de-chlorinating agents for years and generally have recommended using them. These chemicals used to remove chlorine should work just as well for chloramines. Several manufacturers have been adding chloramine information on their product labels for years.

How does ammonia affect fish?

Ammonia is also released when chloramines are chemically removed. Ammonia can be harmful to fish, even though fish produce some ammonia as a natural byproduct. Although ammonia levels may be tolerable in individual tanks or ponds, commercial products are available to remove excess ammonia. Also, biological filters, natural zeolites, and pH control methods are useful in reducing the toxic effects of ammonia.

Are both saltwater fish and fresh water fish affected by chloramines?

Yes, chloramines affect saltwater fish just as they affect freshwater fish. Chloramines will need to be removed if the water used to make saltwater solutions comes from a chloraminated supply.

Are Koi fish affected by chloramines like other fish?

Yes, Koi are just as susceptible to being harmed by chloramines as any other fish.

If only a small amount of water is added to an aquarium or pond to make up for evaporation, do chloramines still need to be removed?

This will depend on the amount of water added in relation to the size of the aquarium or pond, and the time period in which it is added. An alternative is to monitor for a total chlorine residual in the aquarium or pond while adding the chloraminated water. Chloramine residuals in water used to keep fish should be kept below 0.1 mg/L. Total chlorine test kits are available from pet stores, pool supply stores and chemical supply houses.

Won't letting water sit for a few days remove chloramines from tanks or pond water?

No. Unlike chlorine, which disappears when water sits for a few days, chloramines may take weeks to disappear. If you don't want to use a de-chloraminating chemical, the next best solution is to install a granular-activated carbon filter and allow sufficient contact time between the water and filter. (See filter instructions.)

Will reverse osmosis plant membranes remove all of the chloramine for aquarium use?

Most membranes will not reject chlorine or chloramine. In fact, both chlorine and chloramine are damaging in most (but not all) membranes and they are typically removed prior to processing water through reverse osmosis membranes. For information regarding your specific equipment, you should consult the manufacturer of your reverse osmosis membranes and experts in the medical field with respect to your process.

How much of a de-chloraminated agent or what type of granular-activated carbon filter should be used?

Check the product label for specific instructions or ask you pet supplier.

If you need additional information about this program, please call the Superintendent of Water Treatment.

Jay W. Van Hoose

E-mail: vanhoose@ci.rocky-mount.nc.us

Phone: 252-972-1336