Chloramine in calgary?

[AndyL]

Calgary doesn't currently use chloramine, as we have multiple water treatment plants, meaning the water isn't traveling over extreme distances to reach the tap. Whether the new plant comes online with chloramine, is an unknown, the tanks could simply be in expectation that at some point - they will need to use chloramine. Better to add the ability now, than try to retrofit it later.

Chloramine is actually simply adding ammonia as well as chlorine, which extends the length of time the chlorine is active. Which is needed when the source -> tap distances are far enough where there is a risk the chlorine could breakdown prior to hitting the tap.

Easiest way to know if you've got chloramine, is to take water straight from the tap and test for ammonia (without dechlorinating first) if you find some, then you've got chloramine. Of course, some apartment/buisnesses have a water filtration system built in - so your mileage may vary from location to location...

Andy