Northern Kentucky Water District Eliminating Chlorine Gas at All Facilities
NKWD Now Utilizing Liquid Chlorine to Treat Water

Fort Thomas, KY - The Northern Kentucky Water District (NKWD), has completely eliminated chlorine gas as a treatment for its water at both the Fort Thomas and Taylor Mill treatment plants, as well as all NKWD distribution stations.

In June of 1997, NKWD made the determination to switch from chlorine gas to liquid chlorine, because liquid chlorine is a safer method of treatment. A liquid chlorine spill can be easily contained whereas a chlorine gas spill cannot, because the gas dissipates into the air. Because the population surrounding Water District facilities continues to grow, District officials felt it would be in the best interest of its employees and surrounding citizens to make the switch now to liquid chlorine.

“Northern Kentucky Water District is committed to being a good neighbor and a good employer,” said Joe Koester, NKWD Commissioner. “Making the switch to liquid chlorine was the smart and conscientious thing for the District to do.”

“Chlorine is a necessary part of water treatment, because it neutralizes pathogens in the water than can cause illness,” said Bari Joslyn, Director of Water Quality and Production for NKWD. “Recent tests have shown that chlorine in liquid or gaseous form is equally effective for treatment. Because liquid chlorine is much safer to store and use, it’s the natural choice.”

The Taylor Mill treatment plant was converted to liquid chlorine in May of 1998 and all distribution stations were converted in June of 1998. The Fort Thomas treatment plant took slightly longer to convert, because the District also added state-of-the-art safety equipment and automation to the new building where chemicals used for treatment are stored. Total cost of the conversion was less than $4 million and customers’ rates are not affected by this change.

Customers should not be able to detect any difference in their water.

Customers with questions should contact Bari Joslyn at 859-441-0482.