Raleigh begins chlorine conversion Feb. 26; water may taste or smell different

Raleigh Water will temporarily switch its disinfection process from chloramine to chlorine-only beginning Feb. 26 and continuing through April 2, 2026, a routine change recommended by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality to maintain systemwide disinfection. City of Raleigh officials say the conversion and flushing are standard maintenance to promote optimal water quality and safety across the distribution system.

Residents may notice a mild chlorine taste or odor while the conversion is underway. “You might notice a slight chlorine taste or odor in your water during this time. It's completely safe to drink … Raleigh Water will be flushing the system to ensure a smooth transition, which could cause some temporary discoloration. No need to be alarmed! Just run the tap for a few minutes until the water runs clear,” Raleigh Water said in a city advisory published Feb. 5 and updated Feb. 6, 2026. Communications Manager Kimberly Holmes‑Iverson reiterated that the changes are sensory rather than safety-related, saying, “Hopefully, they won't notice anything, but potentially, it could smell a little different. It could taste a little different. You might actually notice a smell similar to a swimming pool because it's chlorine. But there are probably some folks who will notice a slight difference in the way it tastes and smells. It's still safe to use, you can drink it, offer it to your pets, wash your clothes, take a bath, and water your plants. It just might smell, taste, and look a little different.”

Flushing during the transition can also cause temporary discoloration. Raleigh Water advises customers to run cold taps for a few minutes until water runs clear before using water for cooking or laundry. A historical city notice from 2018 advised customers to check water for discoloration before laundering white clothes; that prior notice also listed specific operational times for stopping and resuming ammonia addition on the start and end dates (10 a.m.), but the 2026 advisory does not include these time-of-day details.

Most local coverage aligns with the City’s Feb. 26–Apr. 2 timeframe, though one television report listed a slightly different range of Feb. 27 through Apr. 10. The switch is part of a broader regional practice: area utilities in the Triangle, including systems serving Durham, Cary, Apex, Morrisville, and the Orange Water and Sewer Authority, also perform similar conversions and flushing to meet regulatory guidance and protect drinking-water quality.

For questions, Raleigh Water lists Kimberly Holmes‑Iverson as a contact at kimberly.holmes‑iverson@raleighnc.gov. The immediate impact for Wake County residents is limited to temporary sensory changes and occasional discolored water during flushing; officials emphasize that the water remains safe for all normal household uses. Expect the effects to fade once the distribution system returns to its usual disinfectant balance and flushing is complete.