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Animal Control

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1. Can I bring a stray animal I found to you?

Sometimes, good samaritans visit our facility with an animal they claim is a rescued stray. It is very important that the finder verify the exact location where the animal was found so that it can be confirmed to be within the City of Rosenberg’s jurisdiction. Finders must present a valid ID confirming their City of Rosenberg address.

2. What if I want to surrender my owned animal?

We try to keep families together in the City of Rosenberg, so our team will first ask questions to understand the reason for surrender. It may be an issue we can help resolve! If this isn’t possible, the quickness with which we can admit the animal will depend on the owner’s circumstances and the shelter’s inventory status. Owners may be placed on a waiting list and contacted when space becomes available. On the date of surrender, a $50 fee will be assessed.

3. What happens to animals at your facility?

Upon intake, all animals are checked for a microchip, and if registered, owners are contacted immediately and notified they are able to redeem their pet. If unclaimed within three business days, the animal is put up for adoption. All dogs and cats are vaccinated and de-wormed as soon as they arrive. Our team strives for positive outcomes with all of our animals, whether that is through adoption, reunion, or rescue transfer. Euthanasia is reserved only for those who are irremediably suffering or considered to be a true threat to public safety.

4. What is your adoption process?

Individuals or families interested in adopting a pet are asked to come for an on-site meet and greet. If they would like to move forward, a quick adoption counseling session with a staff member is the next step along with an adoption contract featuring a questionnaire. Once the contract is approved, a $99 adoption fee for dogs or $49 adoption fee for cats will be assessed. This fee covers the animal’s spay/neuter surgery, full vaccination panel, and microchip.

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Customer Service / Utility Billing Office

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1. What should I do if the water pressure in my house is low?

First, check the screens on all faucets and connection hoses for debris that may be reducing the flow. Next, check the shut-off valve on the outside of your home to ensure it is completely open. If you are still experiencing low pressure, please call 832-595-3400 to report the problem.

 For after-hours emergency service requests, please contact the Rosenberg Police Department 832-595-3700.

2. What should I do if my bathtub will not drain?

If it is only one bathtub or shower that will not drain, the problem will be somewhere inside the house and a plumber should be called. If all fixtures such as tubs, toilets, sinks, etc. will not drain, please call 832-595-3400 to report the problem and request service.

 For after-hours emergency service requests, please contact the Rosenberg Police Department 832-595-3700.

3. What should I do if my water is yellow or brown tinged?

Rusty water is most often the result of water line work in your area or some other disturbance in the water system. To clear the rust from your water lines, try running the exterior water faucets for 10 to 15 minutes to flush the system. If you are still experiencing rusty water after performing a system flush, please contact 832-595-3400 to request service.

 For after-hours emergency service requests, please contact the Rosenberg Police Department 832-595-3700.

4. Who should I call to report water main breaks or sewer line breaks?

In most cases, water line or sewer line breaks require immediate attention. Please report breaks as soon as possible by calling 832-595-3400.

 For after-hours emergency service requests, please contact the Rosenberg Police Department 832-595-3700.

5. Is there a schedule showing when the City will be flushing the water lines?

There is not a set schedule, however the Utilities Department follows a City-wide rotation. We understand that no one likes to be surprised by rusty water and we work to constantly improve our service and communication to our customers.

 For after-hours emergency service requests, please contact the Rosenberg Police Department 832-595-3700.

6. What is the typical water pressure in the City?

Typical water pressure in the city is between 50 and 55 pounds per square inch (PSI).

7. How do I check my home for leaks?

Your water meter can be an invaluable tool in detecting water leaks in and around your home. If you suspect a leak, please follow the steps below.

1. Make sure no water is running: Turn off all faucets and water-consuming appliances - even your automatic ice maker and your evaporative cooler.
2. Read your water meter: Write down the current reading.
3. Read the meter again after 30 to 60 minutes: If the meter reading has changed, you have a leak.

8. What are some possible causes of high water consumption?

Possible causes of high water consumption include:

• Faucets: Make sure your faucets turn off completely. Even a slow drip can use as much as 5,000 gallons of water per month. A steady stream can lose up to 21,000 gallons per month.
• Landscaping: You water consumption may increase in the summer months because of irrigation.
• Running Toilet: A toilet that runs continuously can waste thousands of gallons of water per month! Even a slow, silent leak can add gallons to your bill. To check for a toilet leak, put a few drops of food coloring in the tank and see if it seeps into the bowl. If it does, replace the flapper valve and/or the rubber gasket at the bottom of the tank.
• Underground Leak: An underground leak may not always be apparent on the surface. Look for areas of lush grass, unexpected vegetation, or dark spots in your lawn resulting from fungus growth.

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Fire

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1. How do I find a street that isn’t shown on my map?

The Fire Department maintains a Street Guide at both fire stations, at the administrative offices, and in emergency vehicles. The guide is updated regularly to include streets in new subdivisions, directions, maps, and address ranges. If you are having trouble locating an address, stop in, call, or send an email, and we’ll be glad to help. Please do not use 911 to get directions. Call the Administrative Office at 832-595-3600.

2. How do I report a non-emergency incident? Do I still need to call 911?

Please call 911 for any type of fire or medical emergency, or for medical non-emergencies. For other types of calls, call the Rosenberg Communications Center at 832-595-3700. Do not call the fire station, as crews are not always at the station. They may be out doing training or at another emergency.

3. Why am I being billed for my ambulance ride when Fort Bend Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provided the transport?

Charges for EMS supplies help cover the cost of equipment, supplies, and medicines used before the transfer of care to Fort Bend EMS. Most insurance carriers have a payment for EMS transports built into their plans, which should cover the costs. If you are unable to pay, contact the Fort Bend Patient Account Services at 281-633-7064.

4. There is a leaking fire hydrant on my street. Who is responsible for repairing it?

Fire hydrant maintenance is the responsibility of the City’s Public Works Department. Please report the problem through Citizen Relations by calling 832-595-3301 during regular business hours, or by completing the Contact Us Form available here. After office hours or weekends, you may contact the Rosenberg Communications Center at 832-595-3700 to report emergency leaks.

5. Why does the City of Rosenberg Fire Department make so much noise when they respond to a call?

State law requires that vehicles responding to an emergency must use both red lights and sirens. We do try to respect the community and the surrounding homes close to both of our fire stations in the early morning hours.

6. Does the City of Rosenberg Fire Department offer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or first aid classes?

No. The local Red Cross provides excellent life saving training. They can be contacted through the following information:

Address
4601 Avenue H Suite 12
Rosenberg, TX 77406
P.O. Box 87
Richmond, TX 77406-0061

Phone: 281-342-9480
Fax: 281-342-0061

Email the Red Cross

7. Can my teenager complete a few community service hours at the Fire Department?

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer these kinds of services anymore. Without having fire fighters that stay at the station even during emergencies we cannot guarantee the safety of any non-employees in the stations in our absence.

8. Can I burn some trash or leaves in my yard?

No. A city ordinance prohibits burning trash within the Rosenberg city limits. If you have questions about the ordinance, please contact our fire safety inspectors at 832-595-3600. If you do not live in the City limits and wish to burn trash or leaves the Fort Bend County Fire Marshal does not give approval for outdoor burning.

Please contact Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) at 713-767-3700, for the rules and regulations regarding outdoor burning. If outdoor burning is approved by TCEQ, call the Fort Bend County Fire Marshal’s Office at 281-341-4665 and the local Fire Department. You should also check the Fort Bend County Fire Marshal’s website to determine if a burn ban is in effect.

Do not leave the burn area unattended and make sure the fire is completely extinguished by dark. Be courteous to your neighbors, please do not burn if the smoke is going to drift into their home or cause problems for them.

9. Who do I call to complain about tall weeds, fire hazards or abandoned autos?

These concerns are handled by the City’s Code Enforcement Department and should be reported through Citizen Relations, by calling 832-595-3301, or completing the Contact Us Form.

10. Do you get cats out of trees/telephone poles/off roofs?

We do not usually attend to matters like these. Try opening a can of tuna and waiting for the cat to get down on its own. If that doesn’t work, give us a call at 832-595-3600, and we’ll see what we can do.

11. Where can I go to get my blood pressure checked?

You can get your blood pressure checked at any fire station.

12. How can I schedule a fire truck, Sparky the Firedog, or a firefighter at my function?

Call the Rosenberg Fire Department at 832-595-3600 between 8 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

13. Who do I call about a fire extinguisher that doesn’t work?

Check the Yellow Pages under Fire Extinguishers.

14. Who do I call to get sand bags?

The Rosenberg Fire Department does not supply sand bags or shovels. Check the Yellow Pages under Rock, or Sand and Gravel.

15. Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?

Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 911 operator. The Rosenberg Fire Department thinks pessimistically when they respond to citizens in need of help. In other words, the firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst that could happen. They are fast, well-trained and pleasant in their response.

A computer selects the closest unit to respond to an incident. The Fire Department’s philosophy is to get our firefighters there as soon as possible. In preparation for the worse-case scenario, an ambulance often is dispatched as well. The first unit on the scene may not be an advanced life support unit (a unit with paramedics). Therefore, such a unit also will be responding.

There may be four Fire Department vehicles on the scene for what appears to be a “simple” incident. However, in emergency services we have learned that if we assume something is “simple,” we can be horribly mistaken. Plus, we respond as fast as we can, prepared to encounter the worst. The winner in these situations will always be the citizen who needs help.

16. How come I see fire trucks with full lights and sirens go through a red light at intersections and then, after they go through, they turn off their lights and slow down?

As explained in the previous answer, sometimes several units are dispatched to the same incident. The first unit may have arrived on the scene, surveyed the situation and informed the dispatcher that the situation was under control. All other responding units were cancelled and put back into service, ready to take another call.

Most likely, when you see an emergency vehicle go “Code 3” (lights and siren) through an intersection and then slow down and turn the emergency lights off, they have been cancelled from the call they were going on.

17. Why do I see firefighters cutting holes in the roof of a building on fire?

This is called “venting the roof.” There are two basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous gases and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building. Unlike the movie version of fires, it is impossible for firefighters to see in such an environment.

When a hole is made in the roof because the building is “vented,” the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. It makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. It also reduces the possibilities of backdraft and flashover. Another reason for venting the roof is to see how far the fire has progressed.

One of the fastest avenues through which fires spread is the attic. Heat and smoke rise into the attic where the fire can move quickly. Firefighters may go ahead of the fire on a roof, cut holes to access the attic, and stop the fire from spreading through the attic.

18. How can I become a firefighter?

See firefighter recruitment/career information or call 832-595-3600. Battalion Chief Daryl Maretka can also assist you with any further questions you may have. Lastly, you can visit the Human Resources page.

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Fire - Smoke Detectors

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1. Why are smoke detectors important?

Most fire fatalities occur between 2 am and 6 am, when most people are sleeping. Smoke from a residential fire can quickly kill the occupants. A smoke detector can save those lives.

2. My smoke detector is “chirping”. What should I do?

Generally, a chirping sound means that the battery in your detector needs to be changed. If you would like assistance with a smoke or carbon monoxide detector, please give us a call at 832-595-3600. We’ll be glad to help if we can.

3. Is one smoke detector enough?

Generally, several detectors are required to provide full protection. Smoke detectors should be installed on every living level of the home, inside each bedroom, and in the main corridor outside each bedroom area.

4. Where should I install smoke detectors?

Install a minimum of two detectors even in single level homes. Install a smoke detector in each bedroom as well as the main corridor outside of the bedroom area. Install a smoke detector above stairwells.

5. Are there other considerations on my smoke detector's placement?

Mount smoke detectors in the middle of the ceiling, if possible. If not, mount detectors on the wall, at least three feet from a corner and 4 to 6 inches from the ceiling. Keep detectors away from fans or air ducts.

Avoid placing the detector too close to kitchen stoves and bathroom showers. Mount basement detectors at the bottom of the basement stairwell.

6. What type of smoke detectors are there?

There are two basic types of smoke detectors: ionization and photo-electric. Both are effective at detecting fire, yet each has a unique detecting system. Each type of detector comes as AC-operated smoke detectors or battery- powered smoke detectors. Some AC detectors come with a battery back-up system.

7. How do I maintain my smoke detectors?

Maintenance tips include:

• Clean the detectors at least once a year.
• Never remove the battery unless you are changing batteries.
• Replace the battery in each smoke detector twice a year - use the slogan - “change your clock-change your battery” as a reminder.
• Test your detectors once a week.

8. What should I do if I hear a smoke detector’s alarm sound?

If you hear a smoke detector alarm:

1. Never ignore the sound
2. Have an escape plan
3. Feel if the door is hot
4. Crawl on the floor
5. Meet at a pre-arranged spot outside the home
6. Call the fire department from a neighbor’s home
7. Never go back inside a burning building

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Home - FAQs

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

Answer goes here...

2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

Answer goes here...

3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

Answer goes here...

4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

Answer goes here...

5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

Answer goes here...

6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

Answer goes here...

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Planning FAQs

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1. Is there Zoning in the City of Rosenberg?

The City of Rosenberg has not adopted a Zoning Ordinance or Zoning map; however, there are land development regulations located in the Unified Development Code (UDC). At request, the Planning Department can write a No Zoning Letter. If you only need a generic No Zoning Letter, you can find it here.

2. How do I plat/replat my property?

The first step in platting your property is to contact a Licensed Professional Land Surveyor. The Surveyor will manage the platting of the property and all the approvals that the City requires. Questions about whether you have enough land for a certain plan can be directed to the Planning Department.

3. How long does the Platting process take?

A Preliminary/Final plat typically takes three (3) months for approvals, if there are no major issues. Building plans can be reviewed concurrently, but will not be issued until the plat has Council approval.

4. How does the Platting and Development process work?

To find a flow chart showing the process from beginning to end, please follow this link.

5. Can I convert my residential lot into commercial, or my commercial lot into residential?

Since there is no Zoning in the City of Rosenberg, use is not restricted (except for a few state and ordinance regulated uses). One thing to keep in mind, is that if you wish to convert your existing building into another use, the building must be brought into compliance with adopted Building Codes. One of the biggest challenges of converting residential to commercial, is that commercial buildings must have a 30-foot setback from adjacent residential uses.

6. What involvement does the City have with the WOW Cemetery?

The City of Rosenberg is responsible for issuing interment/disinterment and monument permits for the WOW Cemetery, also known as the Rosenberg Cemetery. The City does not own or sell any spaces.

7. Where can I find the multi-family regulations?

Multi-family regulations are found in Chapter 1 of the Unified Development Code, or can be reviewed using this extracted document. Multi-family is any development on one piece of land, with more than two dwelling units.

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Police - Careers

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1. Do I have to be a United States citizen to apply?

Yes, you must be a United States citizen.

2. Is there an age limit to apply?

There is no age limit to apply, however you must  pass all phases of the hiring process.

3. How can I submit an application?

To submit an application:

1. View the available positions on Government Jobs website.
2. Select the position you want to apply for and create an account.
3. You will then be directed to the online application process.

4. How long does the hiring process usually take?

The hiring process can vary anywhere from 2 to 4 months.

5. Are you accepting lateral transfers?

Yes. Please see our Lateral Officers page to see if you qualify as a lateral applicant.

6. If I have a background investigation done with another agency, or have a top secret clearance in the military, will department still conduct a background check?

Yes,  the Department’s Recruitment Unit will conduct its own thorough background investigation on everyone who makes it to the background phase of the hiring process.

7. How can I go on a ride along?

If you are a potential applicant, contact our Recruiting Unit at 832-595-3800 to request approval for a ride along.

8. Do I have to cover my tattoos when working?

Personnel may exhibit visible tattoos, body art, or branding that is approved by the Chief of Police. Any tattoos, body art, and branding on the head, face, neck and hands are prohibited.

9. Can I have a mustache or beard?

Yes. Mustaches shall be neatly trimmed at all times. Facial hair may be worn and must be neatly trimmed and well groomed. The length of facial hair must be kept trimmed to a half-inch or less.

10. Will I have to purchase my own gear or will the department provide it?

You will need to purchase your own firearm, ammunition, footwear and handcuffs. The department will provide you with uniforms, ballistic vest, duty belt and accessories.

11. Will the Rosenberg Police Department send me to a Police academy?

At this time, Rosenberg Police Department does not send any applicants to the police academy. There are several academies located in the Fort Bend County and Houston area where you can receive you State Peace Officer Certification.

12. Can I apply for a job if I am still in the Police academy?

You may apply for employment while still enrolled in a police academy, however you are not eligible for hire until you complete the academy and are a licensed Texas Peace Officer.

13. Will a Citizen’s Police Academy give me the proper certification to apply as a Police Officer?

No. A Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA) is typically used as a way to allow the public to get a view of the inner workings of a police department. You do not receive any type of State Certification to be a Peace Officer in a CPA. You should make sure the academy you attend will end with a state peace officer certification if you are wanting to apply to be a Police Officer.

14. Where do most applicants get dropped in the process?

Lying, omitting or minimizing facts is where most applicants get dropped. Usually, the act in and of itself would not disqualify the applicant, but because an integrity violation occurs, the applicant is disqualified.

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Police - Citizen Police Academy

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1. What is the purpose of conducting the Citizen Police Academy?

The purpose of the Citizen Police Academy give the public an insight of how the Police Department works and its policies and procedures, through a series of classes involving instruction by police officers.

2. Will I receive any type of police certification from this academy?

No. A Citizen Police Academy is designed to give the public a look at the inner workings of the Police Department. You will not receive any certification or licensing after graduation and you will not have the ability to enforce any type of laws.

3. Where did the concept originate?

The program originated in Orlando, Florida in 1984. Orlando was the first city in the United States to start a Citizen Police Academy.

4. What was the Rosenberg Police Department’s incentive for starting the Citizen Police Academy?

We feel the more information the public has about the Police Department, less fears and misconceptions will exist.

5. Where does the class meet?

Students meet at the Rosenberg Police Department unless otherwise instructed. All classes are free.

6. Who attends the Citizen Police Academy?

Students range from 18 years of age and above. We have had the following attend our classes in past years:

• Architects
• Bankers
• Homemakers
• Neighborhood groups and professionals
• Retirees
• Students
• Teachers

7. How do you apply?

Apply online at or submit a completed Citizen Police Academy Application (PDF) in person at the Rosenberg Police Department, located at:
2120 4th Street
Rosenberg, TX 77471

8. What would disqualify me from being accepted into the Citizens Police Academy?

Applicants who have the following will automatically be disqualified from consideration for the Citizen Police Academy:

• Having been convicted for a class B or class A misdemeanor
• Having a conviction for, being under indictment for, or currently charged with any felony offense
• Having a conviction or history of family violence
• Any other indications of criminal history or criminal involvement will be evaluated on a case by case basis (must be approved by a lieutenant or above)

9. When are the classes?

The classes are held on Thursday evenings from 7 pm to 9 pm.

10. How many classes can I miss before disqualification?

Anyone who misses 3 or more classes can be disqualified and may not be allowed to graduate from the Academy.

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Police - Compliments / Complaints

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1. How do I compliment an Officer?

If an officer or employee of the Rosenberg Police Department provides service that you feel should be commended, we encourage you to let us know.

Compliment the employee by emailing the Police Department or by filling out a compliment form.

2. How do I make a complaint?

Complaints against members of the Rosenberg Police Department may be made by letter or in person, and under certain circumstances by phone. Keep in mind that anonymous complaints are difficult to investigate. No matter how the complaint is made it is the responsibility of the contacted supervisor to inform the complainant of the proper procedure for filing a complaint. In most circumstances the complaint must be in writing.

Complaints can be filed at the Rosenberg Police Department located at:
2120 4th Street
Rosenberg, Texas 7747
You can also call the Department at 832-595-3700, or email the Department.

If you have an allegation of misconduct against an employee of the Rosenberg Police Department, you may complete a complaint form.

3. What happens to my complaint after it is received?

All complaints received by the department are processed through the Internal Affairs Office. When a complaint is received, it is reviewed to determine the nature of the allegations.

The Internal Affairs Division investigates the most serious type of complaints involving allegations such as excessive force, or any discharge of firearms or criminal activity, such as theft. Complaints comparatively less serious in nature, such as rude behavior or improper procedure, are forwarded to the individual employee’s division for investigation.

In every case, the person making the complaint will be contacted during the investigation for additional information, and will be notified by mail of the final disposition. Questions regarding the process may be addressed to the Professional Standards Lieutenant during regular business hours, by contacting the Rosenberg Police Department at 832-595-3700.

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Police - Compliments / Complaints (Spanish)

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1. ¿Cómo felicito a un oficial?

Si un oficial o empleado del Departamento de Policía de Rosenberg brinda un servicio que usted considera que debe ser encomiado, lo invitamos a que nos lo comunique.

Felicite al empleado enviándonos un correo electrónico.

2. ¿Cómo hago una queja?

Las quejas contra miembros del Departamento de Policía de Rosenberg pueden hacerse por medio de una carta o en persona, y bajo ciertas circunstancias por teléfono. Tenga en cuenta que las quejas anónimas son difíciles de investigar. No importa cómo se haga la queja, es responsabilidad del supervisor que fue contactado informar a la persona que presentó la queja sobre el procedimiento adecuado para presentar una queja. En la mayoría de las circunstancias, la queja debe ser por escrito.

Las quejas pueden presentarse en el Departamento de Policía de Rosenberg ubicado en:
2120 4th Street
Rosenberg, Texas 77471
También puede llamar al Departamento al 832-595-3700 o enviar un correo electrónico al Departamento.

Si tiene una acusación de conducta indebida contra un empleado del Departamento de Policía de Rosenberg, puede completar y enviar un Formulario de Queja en Contra de un Oficial [PDF] disponible aquí.

3. ¿Qué sucede con mi queja después de que se recibe?

Todas las quejas recibidas por el departamento se procesan a través de la Oficina de Asuntos Internos. Cuando se recibe una queja, se revisa para determinar la naturaleza de las alegaciones.

La División de Asuntos Internos investiga el tipo más grave de quejas que involucran alegaciones tales como fuerza excesiva, o cualquier descarga de armas de fuego o actividad criminal, como el robo. Las quejas de naturaleza relativamente menos seria, como comportamiento grosero o procedimiento inadecuado, se remiten a la división del empleado individual para su investigación.

En todos los casos, la persona que hace la queja será contactada durante la investigación para obtener información adicional, y será notificada por correo de la disposición final. Las preguntas relacionadas con el proceso pueden dirigirse al Teniente de Normas Profesionales durante el horario laboral normal, comunicándose con el Departamento de Policía de Rosenberg al 832-595-3700.

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Trash

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1. My trash was not picked up. Who do I contact?

To expedite assistance with solid waste concerns you will now contact GFL directly for most trash issues. Missed pick-ups will now be reported directly to GFL either by phone to the dedicated Rosenberg support team at 832-271-5187 or via email at CityofRosenberg@gflenv.com. Changes to your service or billing questions will still be handled by City of Rosenberg Customer Service by calling 832-595-3400.

2. I have a problem with my trash services. What can I do?

To expedite assistance with solid waste concerns you will now contact GFL directly for most trash issues. Missed pick-ups, broken carts, etc. will now be reported directly to GFL either by phone to the dedicated Rosenberg support team at 832-271-5187 or via email at CityofRosenberg@gflenv.com. Changes to your service or billing questions will still be handled by City of Rosenberg Customer Service by calling 832-595-3400.

3. I need cart assistance. Who can I contact?

If you, or someone you know, is physically unable to move their carts to the curb for pickup, you may be eligible for the City’s cart assistance program. To participate in the program, there cannot be anyone at the location physically capable of moving the cart. Interested individuals should contact Customer Service at 832-595-3400 option 2 for assistance. 

4. I need a cart repaired. Who do I contact?

To expedite assistance with solid waste concerns you will now contact GFL directly for most trash issues. Missed pick-ups, broken carts, etc. will now be reported directly to GFL either by phone to the dedicated Rosenberg support team at 832-271-5187 or via email at CityofRosenberg@gflenv.com. Changes to your service or billing questions will still be handled by City of Rosenberg Customer Service by calling 832-595-3400.

5. How do I determine my service days?

Click here for more details.

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Water

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1. What is the current drinking water disinfection method?

The current method of disinfection used is chlorination.

2. What is chloramination?

Chloramination is the use of both ammonia and chlorine to disinfect water. Chloramines are safe in drinking water and serve as an effective method of disinfection. In the U.S., many water systems have used chloramination for several decades.

3. How will chloramination affect water customers?

For most customers, the only noticeable change will be that the chlorine smell and taste in our water will be less apparent.

4. What precautions should kidney dialysis patients take?

Both chlorine and chloramine must be removed from the water used in kidney dialysis machines. Medical centers that perform dialysis and dialysis centers are responsible for purifying water that enters the dialysis machines. Customers with home dialysis equipment should contact their physicians or dialysis centers regarding chloramination and how it will affect them. They should also check with the equipment manufacturer for information.

5. What precautions should fish owners take?

Chloramines should be removed from water that is used in fish tanks, ponds, and aquariums. Tropical fish shops and other businesses that keep fish or other animals in aquariums or ponds are encouraged to contact a pet supply company about how to remove chloramines before using drinking water in an aquarium.

Similarly, customers who use drinking water for aquaculture (growing plants in a water tank or pond) are encouraged to get expert advice regarding whether and how to neutralize or remove chloramines. Also, restaurants and grocery stores with lobster tanks must take special precautions to treat the water.

6. Will chloramination affect routine business water uses?

Businesses and other organizations in the City that use the City’s water for commercial laundering operations, textile dying, laboratory procedures and other processes in which water characteristics must be carefully controlled should get advice from equipment manufacturers or other suppliers regarding changes that may or may not be needed.

7. Will chloramination affect routine household water uses?

Chloramination will not affect routine water uses such as food preparation, household laundering and dishwashing, watering plants, etc.  Chloramines will not have any effect on any type of lawn and will usually be removed by the high chlorine demand in the soil.

8. Do home water softeners remove chloramines?

Most water softeners are not designed to remove chloramines.

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Water Disinfection

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1. What is the “Water Distribution System Free Chlorine Maintenance Program?”

This program is a temporary conversion from chloramine to free chlorine disinfection, and is a water industry routine maintenance measure designed to keep water mains clean and free of potentially harmful bacteria throughout the year.

2. Can I drink the water during this maintenance program?

The water will continue to meet Federal and State standards for safe drinking water during this program; however, customers may notice a difference in taste and/or smell. Each individual has his or her own sensitivity level to the taste and/or odor of free chlorine. Many detect no change at all. The chlorine taste and smell during the first two weeks of the maintenance program is normal and poses no health risk.

3. Why is the maintenance program being conducted?

This is a planned treatment designed to provide additional protection to our customers against bacteria in the water supply. Many utilities using chloramine disinfection find it helpful to periodically switch to a free chlorine treatment program to help maintain system integrity.

4. When will the program be conducted?

The maintenance program is typically planned twice per year in the months of June and December. This duration is based on recommendations that the maintenance period should last for about three weeks. If there are any changes in the duration of the program, customers will be notified.

5. Who will be affected?

The program will include all customers of the City of Rosenberg Utilities Water System.

6. Are free chlorine and chloraminated water safe?

Yes, both forms of chlorine are safe for people and animals to drink, for cooking and bathing, watering the garden, and for all other common uses. However, precautions must be taken to remove or neutralize chloramines and free chlorine during the kidney dialysis processing, in the preparation of water for fish tanks and ponds, and for businesses requiring highly-processed water. Most customers will not need to take any precautions as the water remains safe to drink and is treated according to both state and federal standards.

People and businesses that normally take special precautions to remove disinfectants like chloramines from tap water, such as dialysis centers, medical facilities and aquatic pet owners, should continue to take the same precautions during the temporary switch from chloramines to free chlorine.

7. What precautions should users of dialysis machines take?

Just like chloramines, free chlorine must be removed from water used in kidney dialysis machines. We advise customers who are dialysis patients to call their physicians or dialysis centers if there are any questions.

8. What precautions should fish owners take?

Like chloramines, free chlorine is toxic to fish. Fish owners need to remove chlorine, ammonia and chloramines from the water before use with tropical fish. Local pet stores carry water conditioners that remove chloramines and free chlorine. If customers have questions, we recommend contacting their pet store for information and detailed instructions.

9. Why are we switching to free chlorine so often?

The frequency with which utilities switch to free chlorine depends upon the specific conditions of that system including climate and system demands. Free chlorine maintenance is practiced more often in warmer climates such as Texas, especially during the summer. The City of Rosenberg Utilities Department has determined that routine free chlorine maintenance should be practiced once and/or twice per year to promote a healthy distribution system given the low consumption during cold weather, and decreasing water demands for irrigation. This is consistent with the practices of other water utilities in the region.

10. Do the local or regional distribution systems have a bacteria problem?

There are no indications of bacteriological contamination problems. The flushing and disinfection program is designed to maintain distribution system water quality and minimize the potential for any future problem. The maintenance program will include daily testing to monitor water quality and to measure the effectiveness of the program.

11. What is free chlorine?

Free chlorine is a slightly stronger disinfectant than chloramines, and can be used to remove more resistant organisms that may be found in the water distribution system.

12. What is combined chlorine or chloramine?

Chloramine is a Federal and State approved disinfectant used in drinking water to removed bacteria and viruses that can make you sick. It is made up of chlorine and ammonia.

13. Why does City of Rosenberg Utilities use chloramines most of the year?

While chlorine is an effective disinfectant, using chlorine alone can create disinfection byproducts, which are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, free chlorine may cause taste and odor in the water while chloramines tend to be more palatable.

14. Will customers notice any changes in the water during the program?

Utilities customers may experience a difference in taste and/or smell in the water during this temporary change in treatment. Initially during the first week of the maintenance program, the changes will likely be more apparent but will later decrease as the system adjusts to the change. These are normal occurrences and carry no negative health effects.

15. Why all the flushing?

In order to change the process and facilitate rapid system conversion, we must flush to spread the free-chlorinated water throughout the system.

16. What changes can be expected once the routine maintenance is completed?

Local distribution systems will be flushed to clear the chlorinated water as chloraminated water is reintroduced to the system. During this process, customers may see a temporary variation in color. Running water at the tap for one to two minutes should remedy this temporary occurrence.

17. If I have questions, who should I call for more information?

For more information, please call the Customer Service Department, at 832-595-3400.