Chlorine in Drinking Water

The City of Oelwein draws water from the Jordan aquifer through three separate wells, the average well depth is 1400 feet. Because of the naturally occurring ammonia in the Jordan aquifer, the city utilizes a chloramine process to treat the water. Liquid chlorine is injected at the well head at an average concentration of less than 4mg/L to allow for a system residual of more than 1.5 mg/L as mandated by the EPA. Disinfection is important to kill any germs and make it safe to drink, low levels of disinfectants, such as chlorine, kill germs as water passes through pipes to your tap. The low levels of disinfectants allowed in tap water do not make people sick and protect consumers from waterborne diseases. Chlorine, at the levels allowed are proven safe and effective.

Each well is monitored 24/7 by a chlorine analyzer which is connected to monitoring system. This system immediately sends alerts to any deviation from set parameters. In addition to the well analyzer, we have an additional analyzer in the distribution system which measures chlorine levels 24/7.

The department similarly measures the chlorine level at several locations daily throughout the system with a portable analyzer. The City of Oelwein Public Works Department regularly checks water quality to provide you with safe drinking water. However, some people are more sensitive than others to chemicals. Please talk to a healthcare provider if you have concerns about tap water affecting your health. Any other questions or concerns can be directed to Public Works 319-283-1197.