The two cities will temporarily switch their water disinfection processes to free chlorine as part of routine maintenance. Atchison expects its change to remain in place for about two weeks.
Crews may also open fire hydrants to flush sediment from water lines and distribute the change throughout each system. Atchison residents may also see water overflowing from storage towers during the process.
Customers could experience temporarily discolored or cloudy water, a chlorine odor or taste, minor pressure changes or small air pockets. Anyone experiencing discoloration should run cold tap water for several minutes until it clears.
Officials stress the maintenance does not represent a boil water advisory.
Customers with aquariums, fish or other chlorine sensitive uses should properly treat their water before use.
