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Water Tower System Treatments

Cities often use treatments on its water supply and store it in water towers for a number of reasons. Though the public is somewhat aware of these water tower treatments, it is hardly ever thought about. While some may object to the treatments, government officials say there is nothing wrong with the process, and that it only improves the quality of water and health for those who get their water from the source.

  1. Reasons

    • Cities may treat water for a number of different reasons. These deal mainly with issues of health, but taste and suspended solids could also play a role. While some may question the benefits of the treatment, saying it degrades the taste, many have come to accept them.

    Fluoride

    • This is one of the most common of water tower treatments and became popular as an additive in the middle of the 20th century. Although some question the safety of consuming fluoride, it has been approved for use in the water supply by many governments as a safe and effective preventive agent against tooth decay.

    Water Softener

    • Often, water tower system treatments are aimed at eliminating hardness in the water. Hard water is simply water that has suspended solids, most often calcium and magnesium. Chemicals are added, usually sodium in the form of salt, which eliminate dissolved solids. This not only enhances the quality of water for nearly all uses, including consumption and cleaning, but also helps protect pipes.

    Chlorine

    • This common chemical is added to water tower treatments in order to kill bacteria. Adding chlorine in small amounts is not thought to be harmful, but it definitely can have a negative effect on the water's taste. While many complain about the taste, the safety considerations usually outweigh any negative implications.

    Removing Treatments

    • In most cases, removing treatments is a personal decision. Most water tower system treatments are performed for the benefit of society as a whole. Therefore, removing them becomes an issue for the individual water customer. Filters can be installed which remove these treatments, including fluoride and chlorine. Before purchasing, it is always recommended to check the specific model to see if it removes these additives, if that is desired.

    Other Options

    • For drinking and cooking, there are other options instead of buying filters. Purchasing bottled water is one many people choose. This water is drawn from sources other than municipal systems and therefore is free of those additives commonly found in tap water.

    Alternatives to Water Towers

    • In some cases, municipal water systems may not use towers at all. Water towers provide a way to provide pressurization to the entire system. Pumps can also accomplish the same thing. If a city is near a big elevation change and has an elevated reservoir that feeds the system, water towers may not be needed either. In all cases, treating the water remains virtually the same.

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