Don Freisthler Piqua Water Treatment Plant

The Don Freisthler Piqua Water Treatment Plant is a state-of-the-art facility that serves the city of Piqua, Ohio, and the surrounding areas. The plant is named after Don Freisthler, a former city manager who played a key role in the construction of the facility in the 1990s. The plant is owned and operated by the City of Piqua and has a capacity of treating up to 15 million gallons of water per day.

Water Treatment Process

The plant uses a multi-step process to treat the water and make it safe for consumption. The first step is pre-treatment, where raw water from the Great Miami River is screened to remove large particles and debris. The water is then sent to the treatment basins, where chemicals like chlorine and alum are added to remove impurities and particles. The water is then filtered through several layers of sand and activated carbon to remove any remaining particles and impurities. The final step is disinfection, where chlorine is added to the water to kill any remaining bacteria and viruses. The treated water is then sent to the distribution system, where it is ready for consumption.

Quality Control and Testing

The Don Freisthler Piqua Water Treatment Plant has a comprehensive quality control program to ensure that the water meets or exceeds all federal and state standards for drinking water. The plant has a laboratory where trained professionals conduct regular testing to monitor the quality of the water at every stage of the treatment process. The water is tested for parameters like pH, turbidity, and chlorine levels to ensure that it is safe for consumption. The plant also conducts regular inspections of the distribution system to ensure that the water is not being contaminated as it flows to homes and businesses.

Environmental Responsibility

The plant is committed to environmental responsibility and has taken several measures to minimize its impact on the environment. The plant uses energy-efficient equipment and practices to reduce its energy consumption and lower its carbon footprint. The plant also utilizes a biosolids program, where waste from the treatment process is turned into a nutrient-rich fertilizer that can be used in farming and landscaping. The plant has received several awards and recognitions for its environmental efforts, including the Ohio EPA's Platinum Award for Excellence in Environmental Stewardship.

Future Plans

The Don Freisthler Piqua Water Treatment Plant is constantly looking for ways to improve its operations and better serve the community. The plant is currently working on a project to upgrade its filtration system to improve the quality of the water and increase the plant's capacity. The plant is also exploring the possibility of expanding its distribution system to provide water to neighboring communities. These efforts will ensure that the plant continues to provide safe, reliable, and high-quality water to the people of Piqua and the surrounding areas.

Conclusion

The Don Freisthler Piqua Water Treatment Plant is a vital asset to the community of Piqua and the surrounding areas. The plant's commitment to quality control, environmental responsibility, and continuous improvement ensures that the water it produces is safe, reliable, and of the highest quality. The plant's dedicated staff and state-of-the-art technology make it a model for water treatment facilities across the country.