Water is pulled from the South Umpqua river at a rate of 1200 to 3600 gallons per minute (GPM), depending on the demand. Based on the water’s PH, turbidity, and temperature, a coagulant called Aluminum Chloride Hydroxide (ACH) is then added. The ACH helps with floc formation in the settling basin. Flocculation is a treatment process where solids form large clusters, or flocs, to be removed from water.

The water then goes through an ultrafiltration purification process using submerged membranes. On the back of the membranes the purified water is ran through UV disinfection, followed by a small amount of sodium hypochlorite (chlorine). (We are mandated by the State of Oregon to disinfect with chlorine.)

The purified water is sent to the distribution system where it is ready for public use. The maximum capacity is 3.75 million gallons per day (MGD), with an average of approximately 1.0 MGD throughout the year.