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Treating Our Water
Surface water from Luffenholtz Creek filters down through gravel where pumps pull water into the treatment plant.
In the plant chemicals remove solids and chlorine is added to kill bacteria. Treated water is then pumped to the storage tanks north of the plant. Water plant operaters continually take samples for analysis to ensure the treated water meets State standards. A local lab tests the samples and reports the results to the Public Works Superintendent. The City regularly reports results to the State and test results are public information.
Links to state agencies that regulate water quality can be found on the Community/Government Links page.
As State standards change, treatment techniques and operator training must change as well. Water plant operaters are State-certified and are in the process of upgrading their certification because of recent changes in State requirements.
Fluoridating water is a controversial issue in many cities. In 2003 a Council member proposed fluoridating our water, but after studying the issue the Council voted not to implement fluoridation.