Chemicals

The following is a list of chemicals used at the Emporia Water Treatment Plant. The list will briefly describe the chemical and how it is used in the treatment process.

Ammonia

Ammonia is colorless, lighter than air gas that has a piercing odor. Ammonium Hydroxide is gaseous ammonia dissolved in water. In the treatment process, it is used with Chlorine to form chloramine, which is a disinfectant, used in the distribution system to prevent bacterial re-growth in the system. Typically.87 parts per million is used.

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon Dioxide is odorless, colorless, and heavier than air. It is non-flammable and is a common fire-extinguishing agent because of its ability to displace oxygen. In the treatment process, it is used to adjust and stabilize the pH (hydrogen ion concentration) in the water being treated.

Chlorine

Chlorine is not flammable, but it can react with organic compounds such as petroleum products, ether, and alcohols with explosive violence. It is a corrosive, very irritating gas. It is used in the treatment process as a disinfectant. The recommended residual is 2.4 parts per million.

Fluoride

Sodium Fluoride is used at the plant to help prevent tooth decay. It comes in a powder form and is an irritant if inhaled. Plant operators test for fluoride on a daily basis and a 1.0 milligram per liter dosage is maintained as recommended by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Aluminum Sulfate

Aluminum Sulfate is a non-flammable powder or liquid. It is acidic and very corrosive to all ferrous metals. It is used in the treatment process as a coagulant. Aluminum Sulfate settles out in the process and is removed.

Polymer

Polymers come in either liquid or powder form. They are used in the treatment process as a coagulant. The polymer settles out in the process and is removed.

Ozone

Ozone is a colorless gas with a pungent odor. It is a very powerful oxidant that is produced on-site at the plant and is used for disinfectant and also for taste and odor control.

Lime

Lime is primarily used during the water-softening process.

Conclusion

This list has by no means covered all of the chemicals used at the plant. Our intent with this list is to point out the chemicals actually used in the treatment process. Chemicals used in the laboratory for analysis would be too extensive to list.