The next step in the treatment process is “primary disinfection.” A solution made of free chlorine (bleach) is added to the water in a large holding tank under the filtration plant. This 300,000-gallon tank is called a clearwell.

 

A required amount of chlorine is added to the water for a particular amount of time to ensure that disease-causing organisms are killed (disinfection). The chlorinated water travels in a twisting path through concrete chambers from one end of the clearwell to the opposite end. This ensures that the water has had adequate contact time with the added chlorine for disinfection. The disinfected water is then pumped into our Distribution system to keep up with the daily demand of our customers. While being pumped into the distribution piping, additional chemicals are added for secondary disinfection and corrosion control.