Water Treatment

Water treatment is the process of cleaning the water. Treatment makes the water safe to drink because in nature, water is not always clean enough for humans to use. Both the Rock Creek and Taylor Water Treatment Plants use a four-step process to provide safe, clean drinking water to the residents and businesses of Corvallis. 

In the first step, a chemical called alum (aluminum sulfate) is added to the "raw water." Raw water is the term used to describe untreated water. Alum makes particles like dirt, sediment, and other substances in the water coagulate, or stick together. These particles clump together into larger particles called "floc." In the second step, the water enters a huge settling tank, or sedimentation basin. The floc particles are heavier than water so they settle out of the water to the bottom of the tank. During the third step, the overlying water leaves the settling tank and flows through a multi-media filter. The filters are about three feet deep and are made of layers of sand, garnet, gravel and activated carbon. The filters are used to remove any remaining particles in the water. Chlorine is added to the water in the final step to kill any germs and to keep it safe in the distribution system as it travels to your tap. 

The Taylor Treatment Plant has four full-time operators and the Rock Creek Treatment Plant has two (see Facilities). The six operators are certified by the Oregon Health Division and are trained in all aspects of water treatment. They are required to complete continuing education classes in order to maintain their certification and to keep up to date on the latest information and technology used in water treatment. 

For more information about water programs or to receive cold weather tips or the City's annual water quality report, call Public Works at 541-766-6916. 

The Public Works Department urges all customers to use water wisely to help assure an adequate supply of clean water for the future.