2 minute read
Water treatment plant Upgrade to expand Facility, Improve Water Quality
During nearly every decade since 1970, a major capacity or quality improvement has been made to the Westerville Water Treatment Plant to keep pace with regulations, meet the community’s growth and best serve its residents and businesses. Now, for the first time in 20 years, the Plant is getting a treatment process update, with the Westerville Water Division moving forward with plans to add a second water filtration process to the existing treatment regimen.
Granular activated carbon, or GAC, is a water filtration process similar to many of the home charcoal-filtration devices equipped to remove a variety of potential contaminants that exist at extremely low levels, if at all. With the enhanced water filtration process in place, Westerville Water Division customers will continue to enjoy high-quality drinking water.
The Plant improvements are designed to comply with two new federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water regulations, as well as maintain and improve water service that Westerville customers have come to expect and enjoy. In the 2012 Community Survey, residents strongly rated the quality of Water Division services, with satisfaction levels increasing steadily since 2005.
“We are proud to deliver high-quality drinking water to our customers,” said Richard Lorenz, Water Utility Manager. “A safe, reliable water supply is essential for the health and welfare of our residents, the prosperity of our businesses, and our quality of life.”
The estimated $8 million project will fund the construction of a new water treatment facility adjacent to the existing Water Treatment Plant, housing the enhanced GAC filtration process. The project will be financed by a low-interest rate loan from the Ohio EPA and a revised water rate structure. Westerville water rates, among the most affordable in the region, are scheduled to increase over the next several years so that these improvements can be made (see graph for a comparison). The average residential water bill is projected to increase by about $2 per month beginning in 2013 and again in 2014.
“Water Division customers currently enjoy the lowest water rates among central Ohio communities and will continue to do so even after the rate increases take effect,” said Lorenz. “Once this project is completed, the City will benefit from an enhanced water filtration system without sacrificing its reputation as a low-cost utility provider in the region.”
The City plans to solicit bids for the project in late 2012, with a bid award to be presented to Westerville City Council by early next year. Construction on the water treatment facility will begin in 2013 and is scheduled to be completed in 2014.
Nearly every 10 years, a major capacity or quality improvement has been made to the Westerville Water plant.
1970 – The Westerville Water Plant is moved from the Senior Center building to its current location
1980 – The Westerville Water Plant is doubled in size to accommodate the community’s growth.
1992 – The Clearwell Pump House (water storage and pump) is added to the facility.
1999 – The Water Plant becomes a high-rate facility, meaning it handles higher capacity without major capital improvements.
2013 – The GAC process is added.
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