Pre-Treatment: Chemical Addition

Chlorine, Aluminum Sulfate (Alum), and Polymers are added to the water through a chemical injection mixer. These chemicals kill germs and improve the treatment process.

Coagulation & Flocculation

The water is mixed rapidly to distribute the chemicals and then sent to a floc/sedimentation basin. The chemicals bond to impurities in the water (a process called coagulation) and form large particles called floc.

Sedimentation

Floc particles settle at the bottom of the basin and are then removed to a sludge basin.

Filtration

Water then flows into the filter beds where layers of anthracite (coal), sand and gravel remove any remaining impurities in the water.

Chlorination - Disinfection

The final step in the treatment process occurs just before the water is released into the distribution system. Chlorine is added to keep bacteria from developing in the water.