Treatment

The treatment process consists of a series of steps. First, source water is drawn from the Bellamy Reservoir. Prior to mixing, coagulation chemicals are added. The addition of these substances cause small particles to adhere to one another (called floc), making them easier to float to the surface in the Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) system, where they are skimmed off and sent to a drying bed. The water is then filtered through layers of anthracite to remove smaller suspended particles and turbidity (which is a measure of the cloudiness of the water). Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is added at this point for disinfection. We carefully monitor the amount of sodium hypochlorite, adding the lowest quantity necessary to protect the safety of your water without compromising taste. Finally, sodium hydroxide (to adjust the final pH and alkalinity), fluoride (to prevent tooth decay), and a corrosion inhibitor (to protect distribution system pipes) are added before the water is pumped to water storage tanks and into your home or business. The public water supply is also fluoridated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if your child under the age of six months is exclusively consuming infant formula reconstituted with fluoridated water, there may be an increased chance of dental fluorosis. Consult your child’s health care provider for more information.