Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Treatment

Once the water is extracted by the well, it is then treated by filtering it through a series of granular activated carbon (GAC) beds to remove any contaminants of concern and to enhance the quality of the water as required by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Valley County Water District owns and operates 3 GAC treatment facilities:

• Clinton O. Nixon East Well GAC Treatment Facility: 2,750 gallons per minute
• Clinton O. Nixon West Well GAC Treatment Facility: 2,700 gallons per minute
• Maine Street GAC Treatment Facility: 3,000 gallons per minute

These carbon treatment processes are similar to the manner in which the water inside your home can be treated when using a simple water filtration system, such as the systems included on modern refrigerators. As you can imagine, the process for Valley County Water District is simply magnified. Combined, the 3 GAC treatment facilities are capable of treating up to 8,450 gallons per minute, which requires continuous monitoring and sampling of the water passing through each of the large filters. Water quality samples are collected weekly at each of the GAC treatment facilities to ensure the highest quality of water is being delivered to customers.