Water filtration and distribution consists of a variety of processes needed in order to take water from the Chattahoochee River and provide our citizens with safe drinking water.
Water Distribution System
The Water Distribution System employs approximately 16 employees, while being responsible for the hydraulic distribution of all potable water throughout the system. On call 24 hours a day, this division makes taps for new connections, repairs leaks, and responds to minor construction or expansion demands. They further must maintain the entire water distribution system and replace aging water distribution lines. Approximately 5,500 linear feet of water main was replaced in 2015. This division is under the direction of an Alabama Department of Environmental Management (A.D.E.M.)-certified supervisor.
Water Filtration Plant
The Water Filtration Plant employs approximately 12 employees, and is responsible for raw water intake, production, and distribution of all potable water used in the system. The Class IV, award-winning plant has been recognized on numerous occasions as the “the best operated” in the state of Alabama, the most recent award being received in 2013. The plant, which utilizes the waters of the Chattahoochee River as its source, is capable of treating up to 15 million gallons per day. As required by the A.D.E.M., this plant oversees 5 water storage tanks with a holding capacity of 7.25 million gallons.
Plant Operation
The plant is manned 24/7 by Grade IV operators who are all A.D.E.M.-certified. In order to maintain their certification, they are required to participate in training programs on an ongoing basis. The plant superintendent and the lab director are certified Grade IV operators, as well.
Plant Awards
The Water Filtration Plant has been recognized with the following awards:
- Best Operated Plant Award won in: 1961, 1984-1986, 1996-1998, retired from competition 1999-2000, won again 2001-2003, retired from competition 2004-2005, and won again in 2006, and 2013.
- Optimization Plant Award from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.
- Area Wide Optimization Program Performance Goals: In June 2012 the EPA recognized the plant for achieving the Area Wide Optimization Program Performance Goals during 2011. This achievement provides enhanced protection against waterborne disease outbreaks to customers of our system.
- Water Flouridation Quality Award: In 2012, 2013, and 2014, the plant was recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management the Water Flouridation Quality Award.
View the awards won in 2015 for the Water Flouridation Quality Award and the Optimized Plant Award.