Advanced technologies and treatment process provide high quality water that meets or surpasses all federal, state and local water quality requirements.
Surface water contains organic materials, which must be removed to make the water safe for drinking and aesthetically pleasing. The water must also be disinfected. The treated surface water produced by the regional treatment plants meets the high quality standards established by Tampa Bay Water's members and is superior to both state and federal drinking water standards.
The plant incorporates the most advanced technologies throughout the treatment process. In the first stage of treatment, Veolia Water's patented ACTIFLO® process is used to remove the color and particles from the water. ACTIFLO® us widely used throughout the world and is particularly advantageous when treating large flow rates with variable raw water quality - the conditions often found at the Surface Water Treatment Plant.
The second stage of the treatment process uses ozone to disinfect the water. Ozone is the primary disinfectant used in the regional surface water treatment plant and has several advantages including the elimination of the use of chlorinated byproducts and the oxidation of the dissolved organic compounds that are naturally present in Florida waters. Additionally, ozone disinfection is much safer for the plant employees and nearby community members as no hazardous chemicals are needed in the process.
The last stage of the treatment process uses dual media filtration comprised of granular activated carbon and sand. The primary function of the filters is to remove any remaining particles. However, these filters also biologically remove the dissolved organic compounds that were oxidized in the ozone process.
