EDMOND — High temperatures and no rain this week could force Edmond to buy water from Oklahoma City while Edmond's water treatment plant is undergoing routine cleaning and maintenance.
Earl Hall, assistant superintendent of Edmond's water production and wastewater treatment, said city officials want residents, particularly those on home dialysis machines, to be aware.
Different chemicals are used to treat the water in Edmond and Oklahoma City. Edmond only uses chlorine for disinfection while Oklahoma City uses chloramines, a mixture of chlorine and ammonia, Hall said.
"Although residents typically don't notice any change, kidney dialysis machines may require a different method of operation,” said Claudia Deakins, Edmond's public relations director.
The purchase of water, Hall said, depends on whether Edmond's water wells can keep up with the demand.
"It is not like we are turning ours off,” Hall said. "If we purchase water, it will be a small amount. It will be less than 10 percent. It will be diluted. I doubt anyone will notice.”
In the meantime, water resources officials are contacting hospitals and other medical facilities to advise them of the possible change in the water. They also are calling people who have registered their medical needs with the city.
Edmond residents are urged to call the Water Resources Department at 216-7675 if they have a medical condition that would warrant notification before a change in the water system.
Fish aquariums with filters may require a different method of operation because of the chloramines disinfection process.
Fish owners are urged to contact their pet store for instructions.
