The St. Tammany Parish Government has agreed to conduct a 60-day chlorine burn after a March 2021 sewage leak left homeowners in a Slidell-area subdivision complaining about rashes and upset stomachs.
The burn will start April 25 and continue through June.
The burn will elevate the chlorine concentration in the water system, which multiple parties have recommended.
Crews placed signs all over Cross Gates, so Tammany Utilities customers there know what to expect. The St. Tammany Parish Government website says some people may experience eye or skin irritations and other possible effects similar to swimming pools with a high dose of chlorine. Customers may also see discolored or cloudy water, minor pressure fluctuations, small air pockets and a strong chlorine odor and taste.
The parish suggests customers who use tap water for at-home kidney dialysis should call their doctor to determine if any changes are needed. In addition, customers using the water for aquariums should monitor chlorine residuals.
Parish officials, however, stress the water will be safe to drink during the chlorine burn.
