Clear water is skimmed off the top of the basin. Back to Map Solids Drawoff - after settling to the bottom of the basin, the floc is scraped into a pit and drawn off through a pipeline. The resulting material, residual solids, are spread out in a shallow pond, where they dry out for easier handling. Back to Map Filters - the clarified water flows through layers of sand and anthracite coal to remove any remaining impurities. Back to Map Clearwell - a small holding tank where the finishing process takes place, ensuring that the water is safe and healthy to drink.
Chlorine is added as a disinfectant according to state and federal regulations.
The addition of flouride was mandated by citizens of Fort Collins in the 1960s to enhance dental health. Lime and carbon dioxide are added to make the water less corrosive to home plumbing systems. The reservoirs provide storage for 37 million gallons of water that can be used during high use periods. Underground pipes carry the water from the storage reservoirs to your tap.