Lincoln Water System wells pump water from the ground near the Platte River about twenty miles northeast of Lincoln. This source water is then pumped to one of two nearby treatment facilities where the water is treated to provide clean, safe drinking water. Depending on operating conditions, water in Lincoln can be from either plant or a mix from both plants.
Thanks to the natural filtration of groundwater, nature has already done much of the work in enhancing the quality of Lincoln’s water. Lincoln’s source water contains iron and manganese that can stain clothing and plumbing fixtures if left untreated. To remove these and other unwanted substances, water flows through one of the two treatment processes before it is sent to your home or business.
Ashland West Plant
Vertical wells supply water classified as groundwater.
The West Plant is highly effective at treating groundwater with portions of the plant dating back to the 1930s. This treatment process uses:
Aeration
Water percolates through coke tray aerators which adds air to the water.
Aerators
Chlorination
Chlorine is added to the water to inactivate microbes. Chlorine also causes iron and manganese to form particles through chemical oxidation. These particles are removed in the filtration process.
Detention
The chlorinated water is held in an underground reservoir for up to two hours to give the chlorine time to work.
Filtration
The water flows through sand filters to remove iron and manganese and other unwanted substances. The filters are cleaned regularly using a process called backwashing.
Water treatment filter
Chloramination
Small but exact amounts of chlorine and ammonia are added to form a disinfectant called chloramine. Chloramine protects the health of our community by limiting the growth of microbes in the City’s water distribution pipes and storage reservoirs.
Fluoridation
Fluoride is added for dental health.
Next Ashland East Plant
Ashland East Plant
Horizontal wells supply water classified as groundwater under the direct influence of surface water from the Platte River.
The East Plant uses ozone technology to treat groundwater under the influence of surface water. Ozone is a strong oxidizer and very effective at destroying microbes. Ozone does not stay in the water long. This treatment process includes:
Ozonation
Ozone is added to the water to quickly inactivate microbes. Ozone also causes iron and manganese to form particles. These particles are removed in the filtration process.
Chlorination and filter-aid
Chlorine and a filter-aid polymer are added to make filtration more effective. Since ozone only remains in the water for a short time, the added chlorine keeps the water disinfected.
Filtration
The water flows through filters containing anthracite and sand. Iron, manganese, and other unwanted substances are filtered out. The filters are cleaned regularly using a process called backwashing.
Water treatment filter
Chloramination
Small but exact amounts of chlorine and ammonia are added to form a disinfectant called chloramine. Chloramine protects the health of our community by limiting the growth of microbes in the City’s water distribution pipes and storage reservoirs.
Fluoridation
Fluoride is added for dental health.
Previous Ashland West Plant
After the water has finished the treatment process it is ready to be sent to Lincoln for consumption.
Learn More About Your Water's Journey
Water Treatment from Wellfield to Home
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