The Josiah Chase Water Filtration Plant (JCWFP) started producing drinking water in mid-1990. It was designed to produce a maximum of 4 million gallons (at 2,800 gallons per minute) of treated water per day that meets or exceeds US EPA Primary and Secondary drinking water standards. The standards are health-based (known as Primary) and aesthetic quality (Secondary: appearance and taste). 

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There are other requirements and guidelines for the treatment methods used. Guidelines are meant to ensure optimum treatment performance and comply with requirements under other EPA programs. 

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These programs include, “Surface Water Treatment Rule,” “Disinfection Byproduct Rule,” “Lead and Copper Rule,” among others.

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The treatment process at JCWFP is known as “Direct Filtration.” This process consists of a series of multiple treatment techniques. It was chosen specifically based on treating the water quality at Chases Pond.

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The various treatment unit processes consist of:

 

•    Aeration/circulation
•    Straining
•    Pretreatment (when needed)
•    Coagulation and Flocculation
•    Clarification
•    Filtration
•    Primary Disinfection
•    Corrosion Control
•    Secondary Disinfection

 

Finally, water is sent out to our customers—Distribution.