What Cities Use the Rinconada Water Treatment Plant

Rinconada Water Treatment Plant, located in Los Gatos, California, is one of the largest facilities in Santa Clara County responsible for ensuring the delivery of clean and safe drinking water to over two million people. The plant treats and purifies water from the San Francisco-San Jose Bay Delta and provides it to various cities in the county.

The Cities Supported by Rinconada Water Treatment Plant

Some of the cities that rely on the Rinconada Water Treatment Plant include:

1. San Jose

The City of San Jose, as the largest city in Santa Clara County, depends on the Rinconada Water Treatment Plant for the majority of its drinking water supply. The plant provides water to over 1 million San Jose residents, and treats up to 80 million gallons daily.

2. Cupertino

Cupertino, situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, has a mixed water supply system that relies on both groundwater and imported water. The city gets its imported water from Rinconada Water Treatment Plant.

3. Saratoga

Located at the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Saratoga obtains its drinking water from the Rinconada Water Treatment Plant. The city’s water supply is treated by the plant and then delivered to Saratoga through underground pipelines.

4. Los Gatos

As the city where Rinconada Water Treatment Plant is located, Los Gatos naturally gets its drinking water from the plant. The city is home to around 30,000 residents and gets up to 45% of its water from the facility.

5. Monte Sereno

Monte Sereno, a small town of around 4,000 residents, obtains its drinking water from the Rinconada Water Treatment Plant. The town's water is delivered through a distribution system managed and maintained by the Santa Clara Valley Water District.

How Rinconada Water Treatment Plant Works

Rinconada Water Treatment Plant uses a multi-stage process to purify drinking water. Firstly, water is drawn from the South Bay Aqueduct and directed towards the plant through a series of pipelines. Once it reaches the facility, it goes through an extensive filtration process to extract debris, sediment, and other particles that can affect water’s taste and odor. Then, the water is treated with chlorine and ammonia to disinfect and prevent the spread of bacteria or viruses.

After disinfection, the water goes through a final filtration process to remove any remaining impurities, and then a healthful dosage of fluoride is added for dental health. The purified drinking water is then stored in a large reservoir before being distributed through a vast network of pipelines to cities and communities in Santa Clara County.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rinconada Water Treatment Plant provides a vital service for millions of people in the Santa Clara County area. The facility plays a critical role in ensuring that residents have access to clean and safe drinking water. San Jose is the city that relies on the plant the most, but Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, and Monte Sereno are also among the key cities served by the plant.