Zachary Water Treatment Plant Completes Two-Year Overhaul, Boosting Summer Operations
Clean water is a gift to residents of any city, yet its sources are as diverse as the communities it nourishes.
While many cities draw their water supply from rivers and lakes, Plymouth’s water takes a different path.
“Plymouth is strictly groundwater,” stated Wes Stockton, Utility Operator, Plymouth. “We’re drawing all of our water from the Prairie Du Chien-Jordan aquifer. We have 18 wells that are all drilled ranging from 200 to 400 feet, so we’re pulling all of our water up from those aquifers.”
Maintaining a clean water supply is vitally important to the well-being of Plymouth’s residents. Routine maintenance disinfects and protects against pipe corrosion, as well as promote greater dental health.
“We’re taking out about 95 percent of the iron and about 85 to 95 percent of the manganese in the plant,” said Stockton. “Then we treat with fluoride and chlorine and orthophosphate as it goes into the system. Orthophosphate coats the pipes for corrosion, fluoride for MDH and teeth health, and chlorine for disinfection.”
Plymouth’s water system features two treatment plants; the Central Plant near the Plymouth Maintenance Facility and the Zachary Plant.
Strategic Shutdowns for Effective Upkeep
The Zachary Plant recently underwent a major overhaul that took place during low-demand seasons.
“Over the last two winters we were shut down for about four months each winter. We had a company come in and sandblast and paint all of our piping in the entire plant,” explained Stockton. “The big reason for that is to extend the life of the pipe… the next painting and coating project shouldn’t need to be done for another 25 or 30 years.”
With summer comes increased water usage, especially for outdoor activities and lawn watering.
“In the winter we average about 5,000,000 gallons a day. In the summer we’re averaging around 18 millions a day and this year we peaked just over 22,000,000 gallons,” Stockton stated.
Plymouth residents are urged to adopt water conservation habits like watering lawns earlier in the day before the temperatures soar.
To learn more about Plymouth’s water treatment plants and tips on water conservation, visit the city’s website.
