Clarifier
Softening occurs in the clarifier (aka solids contact tank) where lime is added to the water which increases the pH to about 10.3. This will remove calcium carbonate hardness as a precipitate. Aluminum sulfate is added in the clarifier to promote this precipitation process. The precipitate is then removed by gravity (settling).
Dual Media Filters
Water leaving the recarbonation chamber is moved to one of four dual media filters. These dual media filters contain 30 inches of media; 18 inches of anthracite on top of 12 inches of sand. Through a process of straining, gravity moves the water through the media where any remaining particulate matter is trapped in the filter. The filters are backwashed every 240 hours with both air and water to remove the trapped particulate matter. In March of 2014 a project was completed replacing all filter media.
Distribution System
In the distribution system water is stored in 13 water towers. To get water to these towers, booster pumps are strategically located throughout the distribution system to maintain adequate pressure. Finally when you turn on your faucet, gravity feeds the water from the tower, through the lines and to your faucet.
Production Chemistry Lab
All BCRWA production employees are wet chemistry certified to perform public drinking water analyses by the OEPA. Wet chemistry testing in our lab includes: pH, alkalinity, hardness, fluoride, chlorine and stability.
Four of our production employees are also OEPA certified in microbiological testing.
2014 Production
This has been a very brief overview of our treatment process. During 2019 our treatment plant provided 762 million gallons of potable water, which is approximately 2.087 million gallons per day.
For a more detailed analysis of how our process works, why not schedule a water plant tour?
We are here 7 days a week!