Chloramine Helps Keep Drinking Water Safe
Chloramine is a disinfectant used to keep drinking water safe as it travels through reservoirs, pipes, and ultimately your tap. As water moves through the distribution system, disinfectant levels naturally decrease and must be adjusted to maintain optimal levels. Currently, BWP water operators monitor and adjust these levels manually. The new automated Chloramine Boosting System will provide continuous monitoring and adjustment, improving operational efficiency while maintaining consistent chloramine levels throughout the distribution system.
The new automated Chloramine Boosting System will continuously monitor and maintain chloramine levels, improving our operational efficiency while ensuring the continued delivery of safe, high-quality drinking water.
1. The Chloramine Boosting System continuously monitors and maintains safe chloramine levels as water travels from reservoirs to pipes throughout Burbank.
2. Burbank continues to enjoy safe, high-quality drinking water.
Project Overview
- Project: Chloramine Boosting System at Reservoirs 1, 4 & 5
- Location: Near Reservoir 5 at Brace Canyon Park. Construction trucks will be traveling between all three reservoirs.
- Start Date: October 2026
- Duration: Approximately 15 months
- Completion: Estimated to be completed in January 2028
- Contractor: Pacific Hydrotech Corporation
- Project Budget: $7.59 million
- Project Budget Source: BWP Capital Projects Budget
Project Overview
- Project: Chloramine Boosting System at Reservoirs 1, 4 & 5
- Location: Near Reservoir 5 at Brace Canyon Park. Construction trucks will be traveling between all three reservoirs.
- Start Date: October 2026
- Duration: Approximately 15 months
- Completion: Estimated to be completed in January 2028
- Contractor: Pacific Hydrotech Corporation
- Project Budget: $7.59 million
- Project Budget Source: BWP Capital Projects Budget
What to Expect
There will be no impact to your water service, water quality, or water pressure while this work is performed. This project is not expected to cause any water service interruptions for our residents and businesses.
Construction is expected to begin in October 2026, and will take approximately 15 months to complete. The project is anticipated to be completed by January 2028.
We are partnering with Pacific Hydrotech Corporation to help us with this important project.
Chloramine is a disinfectant that keeps drinking water safe as it travels through reservoirs, pipes, and ultimately to your tap. As water moves through the distribution system, chloramine levels naturally decrease and must be replenished to maintain effective disinfection.
Currently, our water operators manually adjust chloramine levels, which is a time-consuming process. The new automated Chloramine Boosting System will continuously monitor and maintain optimal chloramine levels, improving operational efficiency while helping ensure the continued delivery of safe, high-quality drinking water.
This project does not change the disinfectant used in Burbank’s drinking water. BWP already uses chloramine throughout the water system. The new equipment simply automates a process that is currently performed manually.
Chloramine is a disinfectant made by combining chlorine and ammonia.
Water utilities use chloramine to keep drinking water safe by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and other microorganisms as water travels through reservoirs, storage tanks, and the distribution system to your tap. It provides long-lasting disinfection, helping maintain water quality throughout the system.
Public water systems must stay within the maximum residual disinfectant level (MRDL) limits to comply with state regulations, and this system will continue to monitor these levels to help comply with regulations.
Chloramine is safe for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other everyday household uses. However, there are a few situations where special precautions are recommended:
- Pets: Chloramine is safe for dogs, cats, birds, and other household pets when they drink tap water.
- Aquariums and ponds: Chloramine is harmful to fish and aquatic animals and must be removed from tap water before it is added to aquariums or ponds. Water conditioners designed for aquarium use can safely remove chloramine.
- Kidney dialysis: People who receive kidney dialysis should continue to follow the guidance provided by their dialysis care provider. Dialysis equipment is designed to remove chloramine before the water is used for treatment.
- Sensitive users: Chloramine is considered safe for all age groups, including children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. If you have specific health concerns, consult your healthcare provider.
No. This project is not expected to cause any water service interruptions, affect your water quality, or impact your water pressure.
Burbank's drinking water will continue to meet—and in many cases exceed—state and federal drinking water standards.
The Chloramine Boosting System simply automates the process of maintaining optimal disinfectant levels, helping us operate more efficiently while continuing to deliver safe, high-quality drinking water.
Yes. Water will remain available for everyday use, including adequate system pressure for firefighting and wildfire response, throughout the project. BWP has planned this work to ensure the water system continues to operate safely and reliably during this project.
Construction is expected to begin in October 2026 near Reservoir 5 at Brace Canyon Park, as shown in the map below. Construction trucks are anticipated to be traveling between all three reservoirs.
The project will take approximately 15 months to complete. All work is expected to be finished by January 2028.
Most customers will notice little to no change in their drinking water. Because Burbank already uses chloramine as a disinfectant, the new system simply automates how chloramine levels are maintained—it does not change the type of disinfectant used.
Some customers may notice a slight difference in taste or odor, although chloramine typically produces less of a chlorine smell than chlorine alone.
During system commissioning, BWP may also perform routine activities, such as flushing fire hydrants or making operational adjustments. In localized areas, this could temporarily cause slight water discoloration or minor pressure fluctuations. If you experience temporary discoloration, run the cold water from your tap for several minutes until the water clears. If the discoloration persists, please contact the BWP Water team at (818) 238-3500.
If you have questions or would like to report concerns about the taste, odor, or appearance of your tap water, please contact the BWP Water Quality team at (818) 238-3500. Our team is available to answer your questions and help investigate any water quality concerns.
Customers may see Pacific Hydrotech Corp. crews working near Reservoir 5 and Construction trucks traveling between all three reservoirs during construction hours; Monday-Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM, excluding City holidays. Work is dependent on many factors, and some delays may occur.
Signage will be posted to identify work areas. While no parking restrictions are anticipated, please follow any temporary parking or access restrictions that may be indicated on posted signs.
Water will remain available to our community while this work is being performed. As water moves through the distribution system and while in storage, chloramine levels naturally decrease and must be replenished to maintain effective disinfection.
If you have additional questions, please contact the BWP Project Manager, Michelle Elorde, by email at MElorde@burbankca.gov or by phone at (818) 238-3528.
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