The screens have slots only 0.100-inch wide to further prevent large particles from being drawn into the treatment plant. PAC is most effective on earthy and musty tastes and odors. Water enters the plant through the pipeline and is pumped through one of two raw water pumps. A variable speed coupling allows for adjusting flow to meet changing requirements. As the water exits the pumps and goes into a manifold, another chemical, potassium permanganate is added.
Potassium permanganate is another chemical for taste and odor control.
This chemical works as an oxidant and is effective for fishy tastes and odors as well as reducing iron and manganese levels in the raw water. As the water continues farther along in the plant, chlorine is added as a pre-disinfectant. We presently feed chlorine in the form of chlorine dioxide. Chlorine dioxide is generated by adding sodium chlorite solution to the chlorine line, reacting this in a contact vessel, and then feeding through the pre-chlorination feed point. The next chemical added is lime.