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Moving From Chlorine to Monochloramine: What Rutland Residents Need to Know
Fitzgerald, Jessica Hacker, Jordan Richardson, Amanda
Fitzgerald, Jessica
Hacker, Jordan
Richardson, Amanda
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Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
Abstract
In June of 2025, the City of Rutland’s Department of Public Works announced that the secondary disinfectant used to treat the city’s drinking water supply will switch from chlorine to monochloramine. This change reflects an effort to reduce drinking water concentrations of Haloacetic Acids (HAAs), a disinfection byproduct that may increase the risk of certain cancers.
Secondary disinfectants, including chlorine and monochloramine, are added to drinking water as it leaves the treatment plant to maintain microbial protection as water flows through distribution pipes. Both agents are widely used as secondary disinfectants, but there are important differences between the two. Of particular importance, the use of chlorine results in higher concentrations of HAAs due to higher reactivity with organic matter in surface water.
Federal regulatory limits of HAA levels exist to keep drinking water safe. The Rutland treatment plant, a surface water system, has historically used chlorine as its secondary disinfectant. Since February 2015, a total of 10 of 42 quarterly Rutland City water samples have exceeded federal Maximum Contaminant Levels of Haloacetic Acids (60 ppb). The decision to use monochloramine in place of chlorine is expected to significantly reduce HAA concentrations and thus avoid potential health risks.
The primary aim of this project is to create a public-facing community resource that provides information about the upcoming changes to Rutland’s drinking water. A single-page, accessible infographic explaining the utility of a secondary disinfectant and the reason for Rutland’s switch to monochloramine was designed. Information was compiled from sources including the EPA and VT Department of Health.
A secondary aim is to review and modify existing public outreach notices regarding at-home water sampling. Strategic edits were made to improve readability, encourage participation in local sampling efforts, and promote community engagement with national heavy metal testing initiatives and the local water system.
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Date
2025-06