Water Treatment Process
Water Treatment Process
The City of Saginaw Water Treatment Plant is designed to provide disinfection and filtration. Water flows from the pipeline or is pumped in from the Lake Linton reservoir located outside the Water Plant.
The following treatment methods are used;
Disinfection |
City of Saginaw utilizes chlorine gas to disinfect its water supply. Chlorine gas is an effective killer of disease causing organisms which helps ensure the continued safety of our drinking water. The raw water is chlorinated at the source. Additional chlorine may be added as needed at the water treatment plant. Importance of Chlorine. |
Contact Time |
As the water travels through the pipeline to Saginaw, it is allowed ample time to react with the chlorine to ensure disinfection is taking place. |
Fluoridation |
Fluoride is added to the drinking water to increase bone density and tooth development especially in younger children. It is proven to reduce dental carries also known as cavities. For more information, Please see the Laboratory & Chemistry Page |
Coagulant Addition |
Ferric chloride and synthetic polymer are added to bind particles in the water. This causes them to settle out and aids in optimizing filtration of the water. |
Carbon Addition |
Activated carbon may be added to the raw water to reduce taste and odors in the water. Due to the high quality of raw water, carbon addition is rarely needed. |
Lime Addition |
Lime is added to the water to increase the pH to approximately 8.5 su. The higher pH prevents corrosion of the pipes in the distribution system and your home plumbing. This also helps to prevent Lead and Copper from entering your drinking water from the pipes and solder. For more information on Lead and Copper in drinking water. |
Filtration |
After allowing the particles to settle, water flows through 1 of the 12 filters at the Water Plant. The conventional filters are dual media consisting of sand and anthracite coal. This process removes any additional particulates in the water, producing a final product with low turbidity, or high clarity of the water. Each filter has a maximum flow of 3.0 MGD and is equipped with water backwash facilities, surface wash, wash water troughs and underdrains. Finished water from the filter clearwells moves to two 10 MG clearwells to be pumped to the distribution system. |
Distribution and Reserve |
The potable water is pumped into the distribution system. The City of Saginaw water treatment plant supplies city residents and additional wholesale customers. |