City Urges Water Conservation Amid Statewide Chlorine Shortage
June 18, 2021 - Water utility officials at the City of Corvallis are closely monitoring the status of chlorine supplies amid a regional shortage of the chemicals used in the treatment of drinking water and wastewater.
The City’s municipal water supply is safe and secure, but the shortage is affecting communities throughout Oregon and Washington. Corvallis leaders are in communication with state and federal officials about the current supply of chlorine available to the community, as well as options to acquire more treatment chemicals.
The City received its regularly scheduled delivery of chlorine bleach on June 18. Currently, the two water treatment plants in Corvallis have about 50 days of chlorine on hand. The wastewater plant has about 25 days of chlorine on hand.
The City has already implemented a number of conservation measures, including halting planned hydrant flushing, minimizing City water use for irrigation and recreation, and implementing measures to extend chlorine supply at all treatment plants.
Community members can help by implementing voluntary conservation measures, including:
- Use water only for drinking, cooking and bathing
- Limit outdoor use such as filling pools, washing cars or watering lawns
- Identify and fix leaky faucets, pipes, and fixtures
The City’s Public Works Department produces about 2.76 billion gallons of water per year at two separate treatment plants. If the chlorine supply issue persists, the City may be required to take additional steps as outlined in its Water Supply Emergency Curtailment Plan.
The chlorine supply shortage is due to an equipment failure at a major chlorine manufacturing plant in Washington state.
More guidance will be provided if additional water curtailment steps are required.
