Water Department
The Washington Water Department was established in 1915. The first treatment plant was built in 1950 and was used till 1999. In 1999 a new treatment plant was built to meet customer demand. The existing treatment plant has a capacity of 10 million gallons a day. The treatment plant is supplied by two well fields, 6 wells located on Old Highway 50, 6 wells located on W 150 N.
Steps of our Water Treatment
- Pre-chlorinate: To aid in the aeration process.
- Aeration: This process is applied in which water is brought into contact with air for the purpose of changing the concentration of a volatile substance contained
it the water, which is useful in the oxidation of iron, manganese, and to limited extent organic matter. - Filtration: Iron and manganese removal.
- Disinfection: A small amount of chlorine is added to kill any harmful bacteria or microorganisms that may be in the water.
- Fluoridation: Fluoride is added to a recommended optimum concentration of 0.7 mg/l for the prevention of dental decay.
- Storage: Fire protection and peak demand.
The Water Treatment staff monitor the treated water supply as it leaves the treatment plant and at water taps throughout the distribution system. Chemical test on samples is run daily to allow appropriate adjustment to the treatment process when needed. Bacteriological tests are run periodically to ensure that the water is safe for consumption. All monitoring is done in compliance with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act.
The entire water supply system is monitored with SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) distribution control system software. The SCADA system allows operators to control operations at the treatment plant and throughout the distribution system.
The Washington Water Department provides drinking water to 5525 customers, 4875 residential, and 650 commercial customers.
The distribution system consists of four storage tanks and 125 miles of water mains ranging in size from 2” – 16” in diameter.
The management of the municipal Water Works is under the direction of a seven-member Common Council and a three-member Board of Public Works. Day-to-Day operations of the Water Works are the responsibility of the superintendent. The Water Department consists of 13 full-time employees, 9 distribution system, 4 treatment plant.
