How is Water Treated?

Post-chlorination

If needed, additional chorine is added to the finished water that leaves the water plants. Low levels of chlorine (approximately 0.2 to 1.0 part per million) must be maintained in the distribution systems pipes and home plumbing to prevent the growth of microorganisms.

Corrosion Control

Lime is added to the treated water at the water plants before the water is added to the distribution system. Lime (or calcium oxide) is added to raise the pH of the water to a level of about 8 standard units. The process reduces the ability of the water to corrode water mains and home plumbing materials such as copper, lead, and brass. Corrosive water can dissolve lead and copper. Excessive levels of dissolved lead and copper are public health concern particularly for young children.

Montebello Filtration Plant No. 1

Montebello Filtration Plant No. 1 is located at 3900 Hillen Road, was placed in service in service in 1915 and can treat up to 128 million gallons per day of water from Loch Raven Reservoir or the Susquehanna River. The plant has two rapid mix chambers, four flocculators, four sedimentation basins, and 32 rapid sand filters. Treated water from the plant supplies the First Zone by gravity and other zones via pumping.

Montebello Filtration Plant No. 2

Montebello Filtration Plant No. 2 is located on the West Side of Hillen Road opposite of Plant No. 1. This facility began operation in 1928 and can treat up to 112 million gallons per day of water from either Loch Raven Reservoir or the Susquehanna River. Plant 2 has two rapid mix chambers, three flocculators, three sedimentation basins, and 28 rapid sand filters. This plant serves the First Zone by gravity and provides potable water to other zones using pumping stations.

Ashburton Filtration Plant

Ashburton Filtration Plant is located at 3001 Druid Park Drive. This plant was placed into service in 1956 and has a capacity of 165 MGD. The plant includes four flocculators, four sedimentation basins, and 20 rapid sand filters. Raw water supply for this plant is obtained from Liberty Reservoir. Drinking water flows by gravity from the Ashburton Plant to the Second Zone and is pumped to other zones in the Central System.