Changes in Water Quality at the Tap with Chlorine Treatment
Chlorine presence in treated water does not always equal an identifiable taste or smell
Government records from the Lewiston Water & Sewer Division show chlorine is used in treatment but do not quantify residual levels at the tap. This means the water you receive may contain some chlorine, but household perception varies widely.
Treated water may have reduced microbial presence due to chlorine disinfectant use
The use of chlorine contributes to microbial control in surface water sources, aiming to reduce certain pathogens. However, chlorine levels and effectiveness vary by system design and maintenance.
Symptoms in Home Water That May or May Not Indicate Chlorine Issues
Occasional chlorine taste or smell can be noticed by some residents
Some households report tasting or smelling chlorine, especially just after water has been sitting in pipes or when water has been heated. Such sensations are typical of ongoing chlorination processes.
Dry skin or irritation is not directly traceable to municipal chlorine levels
While chlorine can be a skin irritant, dryness or irritation may also result from factors unrelated to chlorine content in municipal water. Plumbing and individual sensitivity vary.
Cloudy or discolored water usually points to other issues, not chlorine
Visual changes in water clarity or color typically relate to pipe materials, sediment, or other contaminants rather than chlorine concentration.
How the Fleck System Removes or Neutralizes Chlorine
The Fleck Chlorine Taste & Smell Filter uses catalytic carbon to reduce chlorine effectively
This filtration system acts on chlorinated water by reducing chlorine compounds that cause taste and odor issues at the point of use, enhancing water palatability.
The system ships ready to configure with household plumbing setups
No specialized plumbing services are required; the equipment is designed for direct connection within typical home water systems.
Impact of Plumbing Material and Age on Chlorine Perception
Older plumbing may retain chlorine taste or smell longer than new materials
Materials such as older galvanized pipes or certain plastics can interact with chlorine, increasing residual taste or odor. Replacing plumbing components may lessen this effect.
Lead levels measured separately reflect plumbing, not source water chlorine
EPA data shows lead at very low levels in the distribution system but this measure is unrelated to chlorine presence or treatment.
Matching Treatment Capacity to Household Daily Water Use
Average daily water use in Lewiston households helps size chlorine filters appropriately
With 9308 connections serving 23720 people, typical residential demand guides selection of treatment equipment capacity, ensuring sufficient flow and effective chlorine reduction.
Choosing the Fleck system size depends on peak and average water consumption rates
Assessing household water use patterns over time supports optimal filter performance without flow rate reductions or capacity shortfalls.
Seasonal and Multi-Year Variation in Chlorine Application
Lewiston's water treatment records reflect varying chlorine use due to source water conditions
Surface water quality fluctuates seasonally, influencing disinfection intensity. EPA records capture such variations indirectly through treatment codes and compliance monitoring.
Periodic EPA sampling dates provide snapshots but not continuous chlorine levels
The most recent data from December 2023 includes treatment process codes but does not specify chlorine concentrations at consumer taps over time.
The EPA's record reviewed here describes water treatment and quality at the public system level for Lewiston, Androscoggin County, ME; individual home water characteristics require specific testing by residents. Data source: EPA SDWIS public water system record ME0090830.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2023-12-31. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA SDWIS record for LEWISTON WATER & SEWER DIVISION (ME0090830), surface water supply, serving 23720 people: 1 health-based violations of 1 total; lead 90th percentile 0.0023 mg/L
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