In Riga, in anticipation of the summer season, preventive disinfection of the water supply networks will take place. Chlorine will be used to clean them from May 11 to May 15, and during this period, Riga residents should not drink tap water, and a number of other precautionary measures will need to be observed.
Preventive disinfection of the water supply networks will begin on May 11 at exactly 00:00 hours at all pumping stations of the company Rīgas ūdens. The disinfectant will be evenly distributed throughout the city's water supply network.
Although, according to the company, the concentration of chlorine during disinfection in the pipes does not pose a health threat, residents are asked to observe safety measures. In particular, during the disinfection period and for the next 24 hours (that is, until May 16 inclusive), it is not recommended to drink tap water, and it should only be consumed in boiled form.
It is permissible to wash and use tap water for household needs. However, for water intended for pets, birds, and ornamental fish, specialists strongly advise letting it stand for a while.
The same applies to watering houseplants, for which chlorine is dangerous as it disrupts photosynthesis processes, damages the root system, and reduces the plants' ability to absorb nutrients. On average, it takes from 24 hours (the minimum) to 48 hours to remove chlorine from water.
If you do not have time to wait for the water to settle, you can use other methods to remove chlorine. For example, filtration through a carbon filter or aeration of the water. To do this, pour the water into a container and stir it vigorously for 10-15 minutes. This will accelerate evaporation, advises the portal grani.lv.
