Being a groundwater source, the supply is naturally protected from undesirable microbial pathogens that are common to surface water supplies. This is due to the natural filtration that occurs in the aquifer and the time the water resides in the ground prior to being withdrawn. At the water treatment plant, the ground water is initially treated with lime and ferric chloride to reduce hardness and color. During this step of the treatment process, polymers are added so that most of the hardness and particulates in the water can be easily removed. Following softening, fluoride is added for enhanced protection against tooth decay.
Filtration is used following softening to further purify the softened water.
This step uses dual media filters which consist of anthracite and sand filter media to remove remaining particulate matter from the treated water. Disinfection, which is the final treatment step, is accomplished by the addition of chlorine and ammonia, otherwise known as chloramines. A residual level of chloramine disinfectant is maintained throughout the distribution system in order to control microbial regrowth. Solids which settle out during the treatment process, are collected and pumped to a settling basin, where they are thickened. The thickened solids are pumped to a vacuum filter, which removes excess water.