If your tap water in Brunswick County has tasted or smelled a little different lately, there is a simple reason. On Nov. 12, 2026, Brunswick County Public Utilities began converting its water system back to chloramines as the primary disinfectant, wrapping up its annual fall changeover. Here is what the switch means for homeowners, renters, buyers and anyone with an aquarium, pond or home dialysis equipment.
What Brunswick County Announced
According to the county’s public notice posted Nov. 12, 2026, the Public Utilities Department began its annual disinfection changeover and flushing program on Oct. 1. For the past month, crews have been flushing water mains and distributing free chlorine throughout the county system.
On Nov. 12, the county began converting back to chloramines, sometimes called combined chlorine. Flushing will continue through November. WECT also reported the change on Nov. 12.
Is the Water Safe?
Yes. The county says this is a normal part of the process and the water is safe to use.
What You Might Notice at Home
During the transition, customers may notice a brief change in the taste or smell of their water. The county says that depending on your location within the distribution system and your household’s usage patterns, it could take two to three weeks for your water to transition from free chlorine back to combined chlorine.
If taste or odor problems persist after that window, the county asks customers to contact Brunswick County Public Utilities or their local water provider. Contact details are listed in the county’s notice.
Do I Get County Water?
Not every Brunswick County home is on the same system. Some homes are served directly by the county, some by a town or other local water provider and some rural homes use private wells. If you are not sure where your water comes from, check your water bill or ask your provider whether your supply comes from the county system. Homes on private wells are not affected by this changeover.
Who Should Take Extra Steps
Aquarium and Pond Owners
The county reminds owners to always test any water added to an aquarium or pond to be sure it is free of chlorine before adding fish or other animals. Products designed to remove free chlorine or chloramines are available at pet and fish supply stores. Because chloramines behave differently than free chlorine, read product directions carefully.
Home Dialysis Users
The county specifically notes that kidney dialysis clinics and customers using home kidney dialysis equipment should be aware of the change. If you or a family member uses home dialysis, check with your care provider about any adjustments.
Why the Annual Switch Happens
Many water systems that use chloramines periodically switch to free chlorine for a period and flush their lines, then switch back. Brunswick County runs this program every fall, starting Oct. 1 this year. For homeowners, the practical takeaway is that a temporary change in taste or smell each fall is expected and does not mean something is wrong with your home’s plumbing.
Water quality has been a major topic in Brunswick County in recent years. For background, see our posts on Brunswick County’s PFAS treatment plant and the state’s order for broader Chemours cleanup, which matters most to private well owners.
What It Means for Buyers, Sellers and Renters
- Buyers touring homes this month: A slight chlorine smell at the tap during a showing is consistent with the county’s changeover and is not, by itself, a reason for concern. Use due diligence to ask the seller which water provider serves the home and whether it is on public water or a well.
- Sellers: If a buyer or inspector asks about water odor, you can point to the county’s annual program. Keep a copy of a recent water bill handy so buyers know the provider.
- New residents and renters: Set up water service early and save your provider’s contact information. Our new-resident checklist has more move-in tips.
- Owners of vacation rentals: Consider letting guests know that a temporary taste or smell change is expected this month.
FAQ: Brunswick County’s Switch Back to Chloramines
When did the switch start?
Brunswick County began converting back to chloramines on Nov. 12, 2026. Flushing continues through November.
How long will the taste or smell change last?
The county says it could take two to three weeks, depending on your location in the system and how much water you use.
Is my water safe to drink?
Yes. The county says the water is safe to use during the transition.
What if the taste or smell does not go away?
Contact Brunswick County Public Utilities or your local water provider, using the contact information in the county’s notice.
Questions About Buying or Selling in Brunswick County?
From water providers and wells to flood zones and HOA rules, we help clients understand the details that matter before closing. Connect with Aspyre Collective to talk about your move in Brunswick County.
