Water Treatment Plant

The City of Fairfield constructed its original water treatment plant in 1956. This water plant was designed to remove iron, soften water, and provide disinfection. The plant utilized ion exchange treatment and filtration. The production capacity was 750,000 gallons per day (GPD). In 1963, the plant was doubled in size to increase the production to 1.5 million gallons per day (MGD).

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Lime Treatment Plant

In 1983, the first phase of the lime treatment plant was added, which included two solid contact clarifiers each rated at 2.5 MGD. During 1998 to 2000, the second phase of the lime treatment plant was added, which included adding another two clarifiers with the 2.5 MGD rating. The City then had the ability to produce 1.5 MGD with its original "Ion Exchange Plant" and 9.3 MGD with its "Lime Plant." Eventually, the Ion Exchange Plant required extensive repairs and was taken out of service and dismantled leaving the City with only the Lime Plant.

Treatment Process

The City’s water plant pumps raw ground water from the Great Miami Valley Buried Aquifer. It utilizes several deep wells to accomplish this. After the raw water is pumped to the plant, it passes through aerators. Aerations helps remove carbon dioxide from the water reducing the amount of lime needed for the subsequent softening process. The water is then gravity fed to the solid contact clarifiers where lime is added for the softening process. 

After flowing through the clarifiers, the water is gravity fed to the carbon dioxide basins where the pH of the water is adjusted. After pH adjustment, the water is disinfected with chlorine, filtered, and fluoridated. Finally, the water enters the clear well for distribution to the city. The water is tested at the various stages of the treatment process and in the distribution system.

Distribution System 



System Structure

The distribution system is made up of several storage towers, pump stations, pressure regulating valves, hydrants, and approximately 200 miles of water main. Before 1955, the water main was unlined cast iron. Between 1956 and 1975, the industry began using lined cast iron for the water mains. After 1976, this standard changed once again, when lined ductile iron became the standard for water mains. 

Flushing Program

The normal flow of water through the distribution system will not remove the sediment in the mains. The City has an annual flushing program to help remove this sediment from the system and to insure that all fire hydrants are operating properly. This flushing program normally takes place for several weeks at the end of April through May. Residents are notified prior to flushing by a news release and/or other means so that they may be aware that the distribution crews are working in their neighborhood.

Report a Leak or Break

If you suspect a water main break or a service leak, please call the Water Division 24 hours a day at 513-858-7775 to report the location so that our distribution staff can investigate and make any necessary repairs.


Laboratory 

The City of Fairfield operates its own laboratory at the water treatment plant to test the water at various stages of the treatment process and in the distribution system. This insures that the water that is produced is safe and of the highest quality. It also fulfills the daily testing requirements of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA), which are reported to OEPA monthly.

Certifications

The laboratory and its two laboratory analysts are certified by the OEPA for chemical and bacterial testing. After initial certifications are received, the laboratory and its staff are required to recertify every three years. All plant operators and relief operators are also certified by the OEPA to run required process control testing.