Water Treatment

Water Treatment Plant and xeriscape garden

The Water Department is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the water treatment plant and the distribution system (pump stations and reservoirs). Operations of the water treatment plant consist of sampling and testing, evaluating, monitoring the system using computer technologies, and making equipment and process adjustments. Operations of the distribution system include adjusting pumps and reservoir levels to meet the needs of the community.

Water Treatment Flow Diagram

 Summary of Water Treatment Process

1. Chemical injection to raw water.

• Potassium permanganate: Used to remove iron, manganese, and taste and odor causing contaminants.
• Polyaluminum chloride: Used to attract particles together.
• Soda Ash: Used to adjust pH for chemical treatment.

2. Flocculation

• This process is a slow mix of the water and chemicals. As the chemicals and small particles come into contact with each other, the small particles begin combining together to form bigger particles.

3. Membrane Filtration

• This process filters all particles bigger than 0.1 micron in size. Membrane filtration filters particles so small that a person needs a microscope to see them.

4. Chemical Injection to treated water

• Chlorine: Used to disinfect the water.
• Fluoride: Used to prevent tooth decay.
• Soda Ash: Used to adjust pH for corrosion control.