Gallatin's water comes from Old Hickory Lake, which is surface water. Water is pumped from the lake to the water treatment plant for intensive processing to meet Federal drinking water standards. The treated (potable) water is then pumped to our approximately 16,000 customers through a complex series of pipes and storage tanks known as the water distribution system. We also provide water to the Town of Westmoreland and the Castalian Springs / Bethpage Utility District.
Treatment
In the flash mix powdered activated carbon is added to the raw water (to aid in taste and odor control), the raw water is pre-chlorinated, and polyaluminum chloride is added to aid in settling. Once these chemicals are added to the raw water it proceeds through areas called flocculation basins and begins the sedimentation process (where small particles bind together forming larger particles which are allowed to settle to the bottom of the basin).
Filtration
The settled water then flows into the plant's filtration system where any remaining particles are removed and the water becomes crystal clear. At this point the water receives post chlorination (to help prevent bacteria from developing), Aquadene (for corrosion control), and fluoride (to help in preventing tooth decay).
Finished
The treated water is now finished water and flows into a clear well to be pumped into the water distribution system. The water distribution system consists of water mains (pipes that transport the water) and water storage tanks (which provide capacity in the event of an emergency) to get the water to your meter.
