South Fork Water's treatment plant, which was built in 1958, is located above the Clackamas River in the Park Place neighborhood. The plant treats water from the Clackamas River using what is known as a "conventional" treatment process to remove contaminants and produce high quality, soft water.
Treatment Process
First, alum and Magnafloc are added to water from the Clackamas River. These act as coagulants, binding fine particles like dirt or mud into clumps, or "floc", making them easier to remove.
During this step, gravity is allowed to work, settling the flocculated particles to the bottom of the sedimentation basins.
Next, filters remove remaining particles, clarifying the water.
Finally, chlorine is added to the water to disinfect it and ensure that it is safe to drink. Regulations require that we leave a small amount of chlorine in the water to make sure it remains safe all the way to your faucet.