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Water treatment is the process of cleaning water. Treatment makes the water safe for people to drink. Because it is a good solvent, water picks up all sorts of natural pollutants. In nature, water is not always clean enough for people to drink. In the 1850s, with the invention of the microscope, we first became aware of germs in our water. In 1902, Belgium was the first country to use chlorine to clean or treat water in a public water supply. Today, almost every city in the world treats their drinking water. In 1950, a special act of the legislature made the Blacksburg, Christiansburg, VPI Water Authority possible. For many years, Blacksburg and Virginia Tech experienced water shortages. On several occasions, engineering teams were hired to explore the possibility of using nearby springs and wells to supplement a critically short water supply. After repeated investigations it was determined that the New River was the only practical water supply for our area. In the beginning, the project simply involved Blacksburg and Virginia Tech, but due to the great expense involved, the Authority was formed between Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Virginia Tech. The Authority was finally chartered by the State Corporation Commission on September 15, 1954. Since that time, many improvements have been made including expansion of the filtration plant, additional transmission lines, and many others! Our primary job is to pull water from the New River and treat it through the process of purification. Then, when the water is clean, it is wholesaled to Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and VPI and then comes to you via your household plumbing for your use and consumption. A lot of steps comprise the process of water treatment and purification. Take the time to fully investigate this site so you can better understand how we are able to ensure that the water you drink is safe and healthy. |
