Services
What We Do
Water
Provide services that protect human health and the environment by characterizing and protecting ground water quality and ensuring that Ohio’s public water systems provide adequate supplies of safe drinking water.
Ensures Public Water Systems are EPA compliant with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and evaluates potential threats to source waters that supply Ohio’s Drinking Water.
Services
Types of Treatments
Ground Water Treatment:
Ground water treatment is the process of removing contaminants and improving water quality from underground water sources such as wells and aquifers to ensure safe, reliable drinking water. Although ground water is naturally filtered through soil and rock, it can still contain minerals, bacteria, metals, chemicals, and other contaminants that require treatment before distribution to consumers.
Common ground water treatment processes include:
- Disinfection – Uses chlorine, ultraviolet (UV) light, or other methods to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms.
- Iron & Manganese Removal – Removes staining minerals that affect water taste, color, and plumbing systems.
- Softening – Reduces hardness caused by calcium and magnesium to improve water quality and protect equipment.
- Aeration – Helps remove gases such as hydrogen sulfide and improves taste and odor.
- Filtration – Removes sediment, particles, and other impurities from the water supply.
- Corrosion Control – Adjusts water chemistry to protect piping and infrastructure.
- Chemical Treatment – Used to address contaminants such as arsenic, nitrate, fluoride, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Proper operation and monitoring of ground water treatment systems are essential to maintaining compliance with Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and United States Environmental Protection Agency drinking water regulations. Certified operators help ensure treatment systems function effectively, water quality standards are met, and public health is protected.
Effective ground water treatment provides communities with safe drinking water, reliable system performance, and long-term protection of public health and environmental resources.
Surface Water Treatment:
Water treatment is the process of transforming raw source water into safe, reliable drinking water for public use. Source water is typically drawn from rivers, lakes, reservoirs, or underground aquifers. Because this water can contain natural contaminants, microorganisms, and pollutants, it must be carefully treated before distribution.
The treatment process generally begins with coagulation and flocculation, where chemicals are added to bind small particles together. This is followed by sedimentation, allowing heavier particles to settle out. The water then passes through filtration systems to remove remaining particles and impurities.
Finally, disinfection is applied to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. Treated water is then stored and distributed through a regulated system of pipes to homes and businesses, where it reaches the tap meeting state and federal drinking water standards.
Throughout this process, certified water operators monitor water quality, maintain treatment systems, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements to protect public health
Wastewater Treatment:
Wastewater treatment is the process of collecting and treating used water from homes, businesses, and industries to protect public health and the environment. Wastewater enters the treatment system through a network of sanitary sewers and pump stations that convey flow to a wastewater treatment facility.
Treatment begins with preliminary and primary processes, where large debris and grit are removed and heavier solids are allowed to settle out. The wastewater then undergoes secondary (biological) treatment, using microorganisms to break down organic matter and reduce pollutants.
After biological treatment, secondary clarification removes remaining solids. Many facilities include tertiary or advanced treatment to further reduce nutrients, pathogens, or other contaminants. The final step is disinfection, ensuring treated effluent meets regulatory standards before being safely discharged to surface waters or reused where permitted.
Residual solids, or biosolids, are treated and managed separately through stabilization and disposal or beneficial reuse. Certified wastewater operators continuously monitor system performance, maintain compliance with environmental regulations, and ensure the treatment process operates safely and efficiently.
Hot Water Treatment: Legionella Control
Legionella bacteria can grow in building hot water systems if temperatures, disinfectant levels, and system design are not properly maintained. Effective treatment and management of hot water systems are critical to reducing the risk of Legionnaires’ disease and protecting public health.
Control strategies focus on maintaining appropriate water temperatures, with hot water stored and distributed at levels that limit bacterial growth while balancing scald prevention. Disinfection methods, such as chlorine, monochloramine, copper-silver ionization, or other approved treatments, are used to suppress or eliminate Legionella within the system.
Routine monitoring and maintenance are essential, including temperature checks, disinfectant residual testing, flushing of low-use outlets, and cleaning of fixtures and storage tanks. System design considerations—such as minimizing dead ends and ensuring proper circulation—also play a key role in prevention.
A comprehensive Water Management Program, following recognized public health guidance, helps identify risk areas, establish control measures, and verify that treatment strategies are effective. Trained operators and facility managers are essential to implementing these practices and maintaining safe hot water systems.