What's My Cincinnati Water Treatment Plant?

Cincinnati is known for having one of the best water systems in the United States. The Cincinnati Water Works, established in 1817, has been providing high-quality water to the residents of Cincinnati and surrounding areas for over 200 years. But where does your water come from, and how is it treated? This article will explore the Cincinnati water treatment process and give you an inside look at how your water is purified.

Source of Cincinnati's Drinking Water

Cincinnati's primary source of drinking water comes from the Ohio River, which has served as the city's water source for over a century. Water from the Ohio River is pumped into the Miller Treatment Plant, where it undergoes a rigorous purification process before being distributed to homes and businesses throughout the area. In addition to the Ohio River, the Cincinnati Water Works also utilizes aquifers in the greater Cincinnati area as a backup source of water.

Cincinnati Water Treatment Process

The water treatment process used by the Cincinnati Water Works is designed to remove impurities and ensure that the water is safe to drink. The process involves several stages, starting with the intake of raw water from the Ohio River.

The first step in the treatment process is sedimentation, where the water is allowed to sit in large tanks to allow heavier particles to settle to the bottom. Next, the water undergoes a process called coagulation. Chemicals are added to the water to encourage smaller particles to stick together and form larger particles, which are easier to remove.

After coagulation, the water is sent to filtration tanks, where it passes through layers of sand and gravel. This helps to remove any remaining particles that made it through the sedimentation and coagulation stages. Finally, the water is treated with chlorine to kill any remaining bacteria and viruses before being distributed to customers.

Quality Control Measures

The Cincinnati Water Works takes quality control seriously to ensure that the water meets or exceeds all applicable state and federal drinking water standards. The water undergoes constant monitoring at various stages of the treatment process and is tested for over 90 contaminants, including lead, pesticides, and microorganisms. In addition, the Cincinnati Water Works uses an advanced computer monitoring system that alerts staff to any issues that may arise, allowing them to address the problem quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

The Cincinnati water treatment plant has been providing high-quality water to the area for over 200 years, utilizing cutting-edge technology and quality control measures to ensure safe drinking water. With the above information, you now have a better understanding of where your water comes from and how it is treated. Drink up, and enjoy the clean water provided by Cincinnati Water Works!