Third is through precipitation such as rain, sleet, or snow. Cleveland Utilities receives water from Hiwassee River, an above ground source, and Waterville Springs, which is an underground source. Of course both of these are fed partially by the third source precipitation. As mentioned earlier, this water has been used before and must be recycled before anyone consumes this water. We purchase some of our water from Eastside Utilities to serve our customers on the Southwest side of the city and county, Savannah Utilities to help serve our customers on the Northwest part of the county, and Hiwassee Utilities from the North end of the county.
Water is recycled in a water treatment plant.
First, we locate a water treatment plant near a clean source of fresh water such as a lake, river, or and underground spring. We look for the cleanest water source available so it will be easier and less expensive to recycle. The cleanest water we find may look clean enough to drink however, may contain tiny organisms that could prove to be hazardous. Therefore, all water is recycled before being sent to our customers for consumption. Next, we run the water through screens to take any contaminants out of the water such as trash or animals.