CHAMPAIGN – Beginning Friday and continuing into January, Illinois American Water Co. customers may notice a change in the taste and smell of their water, according to the company.

The water company will switch to a disinfectant known as free chlorine which helps to effectively distribute chlorine residuals in the water distribution system.
According to water company spokesman Barry Suits, the switch to the other disinfectant is required because the local demand for water has slowed in recent months because of unusually heavy rainfall. As water remains in pipes for extended periods, regular chlorine tends to dissipate, he said, “requiring a more potent chlorine.”

Water company officials said the change in taste and odor is not a cause for concern, and that the water still will meet federal and state drinking water standards.

Suits said the water company made a similar switch to free chlorine last year at about the same time and for about the same period.