Top News: Change in the Mass. Water Resources Authority's water treatment a concern for aquariums

A change in the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority's water treatment will affect your aquarium treatment procedures.

Beginning this summer, the MWRA will increase the level of chloramines used to disinfect water. New water treatment procedures were implemented in June to stabilize pH levels in the distribution system. The pH will be gradually adjusted to an initial level of 7.5 to reach a final optimum level of 8.0-9.0 by January 1997. Alkalinity will also be adjusted to a level of 30 mg/l.

These changes will occur in all areas serviced by MWRA water EXCEPT: Leominster, Clinton, Chicopee, Wilbraham, and South Hadley FD #1.

The following towns will have changes in pH and Alkalinity ONLY: Marlborough, Northborough, Southborough, Framingham, and Weston.

Chloramines are a combination of chlorine and ammonia. Chloraminated water is no different then chlorinated water for most normal uses. However, chloramines, like chlorine are toxic to fish and may have adverse effects on reptiles, turtles, and amphibians. Therefore, chloramines must be removed from the water before it is used for aquariums or fish ponds.

Chloramines do not dissipate in the air (are not removed by aerators) and are not removed by boiling the water. There are two methods to remove chloramines from water: add a chemical or chemicals which can remove chloramine and ammonia or use a high grade granular activated-carbon filter.

It is imperative you use a dechloraminating chemical and not just a dechlorinating chemical, which is for chlorine and will not neutralize the ammonia portion of the chloramine.

A high grade activated-carbon filter will also remove chloramine. These filters require sufficient contact time to remove chloramine from water. Treatment of large volumes of water with activated-carbon filters is very involved and you should seek professional assistance.

KEEP IN MIND

Ammonia removal is particularly important in water with a high pH. As the pH increases, the percentage of unionized ammonia ( toxic form) also increases. Commercial products are available at pet supply stores to remove excess ammonia. Also, biological filters, natural zeolites and pH control methods may be effective in reducing the toxicity of ammonia.

Regardless of the method used, it is essential that you test the water in your aquarium or fish pond regularly to ensure that the particular method being used is effective. Consult your local pet store for the test kit and treatment method which is best for you.

REMEMBER, THERE ARE 2 METHODS TO REMOVE CHLORAMINES FROM WATER:

1. Add specific agents to remove chloramines and ammonia
2. Use a high grade granular activated-carbon filter.

For additional information on chloramines, contact MWRA's Waterworks division at (617) 242-LEAD.