The following is a list of the chemicals used in the water treatment process and a short description of their purpose.
Potassium Permanganate: Removes (oxidizes) natural organic material and compounds from the surface water that may produce taste and odors in the treated water. Removes (oxidize) iron and manganese from the surface water.
Lime – Coagulant: Forms particles that trap dirt and contaminants and allows them to settle out. Removes hardness (calcium and magnesium), iron, and manganese by chemical precipitation.
Ferric Chloride – Coagulant: Forms particles that trap dirt and contaminants and allows them to settle out.
Polymer - Coagulant Aid: Helps to remove the solids formed by lime and ferric chloride in the solids contact basins by making them bigger and heavier so they settle out faster.
Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC): Removes synthetic organic chemicals (such as herbicides and pesticides) and compounds that can cause taste and odors in the treated water.
Hydrofluosilicic Acid – Fluoride: Aids in the prevention of dental cavities.
Polyphosphate: Prevents calcium (hardness) from depositing on the filter sand and granular activated carbon (GAC). If calcium deposits on the sand and GAC, filtering capacity and the ability of the GAC to absorb organics is reduced.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Reduces the pH of the water and makes the water less scale forming.
Filter Aid (Polymer): Helps trap small particles in the filter, reducing turbidity or undissolved solids in the treated water.
Chlorine – Disinfectant: Kills pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and Giardia.
