The water treatment process consists of four steps:
Coagulation/Flocculation- Raw water from Eklutna Lake and Ship Creek Reservoir is drawn into mixing basins at our two treatment plants where we add alum and polymer. This process causes small particles to stick to one another, forming larger particles.
Sedimentation- Over time, the now-larger particles become heavy enough to settle to the bottom of a basin from which sediment is removed.
Filtration- The water is then filtered through layers of fine, granulated materials — either sand, or sand and coal, depending on the treatment plant. As smaller, suspended particles are removed, turbidity diminishes and clear water emerges.
Disinfection- To protect against any bacteria, viruses and other microbes that might remain, disinfectant is added before the water flows into reservoirs throughout the distribution system and into your home or business. Anchorage Water and Wastewater carefully monitors the amount of disinfectant added to maintain quality of the water at the farthest reaches of the system. Trace amounts of Fluoride occur naturally in our water but it is added to treated water.
