Oregon Water Plant Uses Ozone to Improve Water Quality

In 1927 a pipeline was laid and put into commission that ran from Big Butte Springs to Medford, Oregon. Prior to the pipeline being built, water was delivered to Medford via a wooden flume. Times have changed. In the last few years changes have been made at the plant to make the water taste better. One of the main changes is the ozone room at the treatment plant. Ozone is a powerful oxidant widely used in water treatment to oxidize minerals, organic compounds, reduce taste and odors, eliminate color, and disinfect bacteria, virus, and protozoan cysts. The inherent features of ozone are its high oxidation potential and disinfection capabilities. The water is treated with only the slightest bit of chlorine so it remains as pure as can be. The result being often the only way one would know where their water was coming from is by the temperature. The river water is warmer than the spring water.