How do we treat the raw water coming from Lake Ray Roberts?

Surface Water Disinfection Process in a Nutshell

Ensuring safe drinking water from surface sources involves a complex, multi-step process utilizing advanced technologies and substantial resources.

Coagulation: Water treatment begins with coagulation, where coagulants like aluminum sulfate, ferric chloride, and organic polymers are rapidly mixed into the water. This process alters the electrical charges around suspended particles, causing them to attract and form larger clumps called flocs.
Flocculation: The water is gently agitated to encourage these flocs to collide, stick together, and trap other suspended particles, forming even larger, heavier particles.
Sedimentation: The flocculated water moves slowly through a basin or tank, allowing the heavy particles to settle at the bottom for removal.
Filtration: The water then passes through a filter made of sand, coal particles, or similar materials, which removes finer particles like silt and some pathogens. This step further reduces turbidity, resulting in crystal-clear water.
Carbon Adsorption: Activated carbon may be used to remove chemical contaminants. These contaminants adhere to the surface of the carbon, effectively removing them from the water.
Disinfection: Ozone is added to the water to destroy harmful germs such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other organisms. A residual amount of chlorine disinfectant is maintained in the water to continue killing pathogens as the water travels through pipelines to consumers.
Aeration: If necessary, air is mixed with water to remove undesirable amounts of iron and manganese, which remain in solution in the absence of oxygen. Aeration improves the water's color, taste, and odor.
Fluoridation: Fluoride is added to reduce tooth decay.
Storage: Treated water is stored in a clear well ready to be pumped to your tap for consumption.

Each of these steps ensures that surface water is thoroughly treated and safe for consumption by the time it reaches the tap.