MAWC Switches Water Disinfectant May 4, 2026 | The Locally Times
The Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County will switch to chloramine, but residents have received no information on potential impacts to taste, odor, or household systems.
Westmoreland County residents face an upcoming change to their tap water, with the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County (MAWC) scheduled to switch its disinfectant from free chlorine to chloramine on May 4, 2026. This shift, confirmed in an authority record, comes with a notable lack of public information regarding its potential impacts. ## Understanding the Water Treatment Shift MAWC's record confirms the transition to chloramine will begin on May 4, 2026. This involves replacing the current free chlorine treatment with chloramine, a compound of chlorine and ammonia often used by utilities for stable disinfection across distribution systems. However, the public record announcing this change offers no explanation for the transition, nor does it address potential alterations to the water's taste or odor. Crucially, it provides no guidance on preparations residents might need to make or any information on chloramine's general safety as a disinfectant. ## Local Notices and MAWC's Communication Approach Amidst the upcoming disinfectant change, MAWC's communication on the chloramine switch stands in contrast to other local municipal notices. Similarly, Richland Township Municipal offices will close on April 3, 2026, for the holiday. South Fayette Township offices are also scheduled to close on April 3 and April 6, 2026, though the municipal center will host Jordan Tax Service office hours on April 6 from 9 AM to noon. Separately, Cranberry Township issued a Boil Water Notice on March 31, 2026, for specific areas including Autumn Hill Road and Crimson Court due to a main line valve repair. Sampling for this notice began April 1, with follow-up testing scheduled for today, April 2, pending two consecutive satisfactory water quality tests. ## Unaddressed Impacts: What Residents Need to Know MAWC's public record on the disinfectant switch omits key details regarding chloramine's potential impacts on household plumbing systems, specific health considerations, or interactions with specialized water uses. While chloramine is a widely accepted water treatment method, its introduction often requires adjustments for certain populations. Individuals with sensitivities, or those using advanced water filtration systems for purposes like dialysis or aquariums, typically need to be aware of such disinfectant changes and may require modifications to their filtration processes. Despite a "Learn more" option in MAWC's announcement, the provided content does not elaborate on these specific implications. Residents seeking further information on the disinfectant change, its potential effects on water quality, or any necessary household adjustments are directed to MAWC's website for additional guidance. The authority's record does not indicate any public outreach events or informational sessions planned before the May 4 transition. ## Key Questions **When is the disinfectant switch?** The Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County is scheduled to switch to chloramine on May 4, 2026. **What will change about my water?** MAWC's record confirms the switch from free chlorine to chloramine but does not detail potential changes to water taste, odor, or specific household considerations. **Where can I get more information?** Residents are directed to the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County's website for additional guidance on the disinfectant change.