How our water is made safe to drink

Modern water treatment plants maintain the quality of our drinking water today. Here's how they work:

Intake screens strain water to keep out fish and large debris. Pumps send the water to a sedimentation tank. The sedimentation tank allows dirt and other impurities to settle to the bottom so they can be removed.

Chemicals such as aluminum sulfate or "alum" are added to the water in the tank. This causes the small particles in the water to clump together. Activated carbon may be added to the water to take away harmful chemicals and bad odors, tastes and colors.

Sludge formed in the bottom of the sedimentation tank is removed and treated. Lime slurry may be added to the water to soften it (that is, remove minerals that cut down on water's ability to clean clothing, etc.) Flocculation takes place when the clumps of particles (the "floc") become heavy enough to settle at the bottom of the sedimentation tank. A filter removes fine particles and other impurities. Disinfection, often with chlorine, is used to destroy disease-causing bacteria.

Pumps send the clean water into Easton Suburban Water Authority's supply system, which brings the water to your home or business.