Unusual odors, tastes could hit Pflugerville water users during cleaning procedure

The procedure should "eliminate any nitrification in the distribution system," Manville Spokeswoman Rexanne Pilkenton said. Nitrification is a process in which microbes and bacteria turn ammonia, or other nitrogen compounds, into nitrite or nitrate. Nitrification can lead to some issues in a water system including an increase in certain bacteria and lower pH levels, according the Environmental Protection Agency report "Nitrification." Pilkenton said nitrification can lead to a build up of nitrates that exceed the state standards. The burn out should also flush out certain metals from the water system, Pilkenton said.

Manville normally disinfects the area's water system with chloramine, which is chlorine combined with ammonia. During the October "burn out" the water supplier will use free chlorine, which lacks ammonia, as the disinfectant, the news release states.

Pilkenton said Manville would also be flushing out the system using valves throughout the water system to keep water moving well and remove the chlorine treatment from the system.

The flushing can cause metals such as iron and manganese to dislodge from pipes. Manganese, which is naturally occurring, can alter water taste and color, the news release states.

Pflugerville officials will monitor disinfectant levels continually during the procedure, the news release states.