Surface Water Treatment
The Pee Dee Regional Water Treatment Plant (SWTP) treats raw water from the Great Pee Dee River to produce safe and clean drinking water. A series of water treatment processes and water analysis is completed to accomplish this goal. The present permit capacity of the facility is 10 million gallons per day (MGD). Currently, the facility produces an average of 4.5 MGD.
Once the raw water reaches our plant, it is treated with ferric sulfate. After raw water is fed with ferric sulfate, it goes to rapid mix. The rapid mix gives enough time for the raw water and the ferric to mix properly. The purpose of this process is to remove particulate impurities, especially non-settleable solids and color from treated water. A coagulant aid (Polymer) is also used to assist the process as needed. Caustic (Sodium Hydroxide) is also used for pH adjustment when needed.
Once all components are well mixed, the water goes to the sedimentation basin to let the solids settle out. Once the water leaves the sedimentation basin, it goes to the settle water channel where water is treated with sodium hypochlorite (chlorine).
After the settle water channel, the water goes to the filters. Filtered water should have a NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit) less than 0.3 NTU as required by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC).
Upon the water leaving the filters, it goes to the transfer well where lime (Calcium Hydroxide) is added to increase the pH to 7.5 – 8.0 and to help control pipe corrosion. Fluoride is added to promote oral health. Sodium hypochlorite is also added for bacteriological disinfection.
The SWTP uses on-line instrumentation that monitors pH, temperature, turbidity and residual chlorine (Free & Total) as well as grab samples to check those parameters in the lab. Jar testing, a laboratory procedure that simulates the plant's processes on a small scale, is also conducted to help choose the best coagulant, polymer and caustic dose for treatment.
Lab Test Schematic for the SWTP
The SWTP laboratory is certified by the Laboratory Certification Division of SCDES. Additionally, each operator within the water production work group is a licensed, certified operator by the Environmental Certification Division of the South Carolina Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Board.
SCDES conducts an annual Sanitary Water Survey inspection of the entire water production and distribution system. This inspection normally spans three days so SCDES can thoroughly investigate each work group involved in the production, treatment, and distribution of potable water. Also, quarterly, SCDES collects random samples from the water distribution system to ensure quality water is being produced.
Phone Number:
(843) 665 - 3236
Address:
1440 McCurdy Road Florence, SC 29506
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