Scott Rogerslsrogers@thenewsstar.com

To fight against possible exposure of amoeba the city will begin chlorine burn on Nov. 12.

No indication of brain-eating amoeba in city water.

DHH mandates chlorine burn by all water systems.

The city of Monroe will conduct a chlorine burn on its water system as part of the Department of Health and Hospitals mandate to take preventive measures against the “brain-eating amoeba.”

Residents may notice more chlorine in their tap water as the city takes precautions against the organism recently found in some Louisiana water systems.

The Naeglaria fowleri amoeba has not been found in Monroe’s water supply, but DHH has issued an order that all water systems take preventive measures to keep the dangerous parasite out of municipal water systems.

The amoeba usually feeds on bacteria in the sediment of warm freshwater lakes and rivers. If it gets high up in a someone’s nose, it can get into the brain. Its only entry to the brain is through minute openings in a bone about level with the top of the eyeball.

The state says swimming or diving in freshwater lakes and rivers is the most common way to be exposed to the amoeba. Infections from other sources, such as heated tap water and swimming pool water that is inadequately chlorinated, are rare.

To fight against possible exposure the city will begin its free chlorine burn around Nov. 12. It will last approximately 60 days.

“The city of Monroe will take these preventive measures to make sure everything is clear, but there is no indication at this point of this amoeba being in our system,” Mayor Jamie Mayo said.

Monroe Public Works Director Tom Janway said the city has used a chloramine system for the past 11 years. This marks the first time the city has conducted a burn, which involves flushing the system with chlorine.

“It will be good for the system because it removes a lot of the biofilm within our water lines. There may be some taste and odor issues. This is a preventative measure and something that should be done on a more frequent basis to provide excellent quality of water,” Janway said.

City employees will provide all labor and the chemicals used in the chlorine burn are already in use by the city.

“The net variation cost will be insignificant,” Janway said.

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