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 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. These regulations lower the acceptable levels of disinfection by-products and enhance the treatment for microbial contaminants, specifically for cryptosporidium. 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 $11 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, are among the most affordable in the region, are scheduled to increase over the next several years so that these improvements can be made. 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 early 2013. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2014.
Last updated: 5/15/2013 10:20:56 AM