Angola, Indiana: Water Specialists Do More

Water treatment and purification are essential for maintaining access to clean and safe drinking water. In Angola, Indiana, the city's Water Department is responsible for providing reliable drinking water to its residents, utilizing processes such as aeration, filtration, and disinfection. Additionally, private companies like DuMor Water Specialists offer water consultation and treatment services to improve water quality and address issues such as water hardness. Angola also has a dedicated Wastewater Treatment Plant, ensuring proper treatment and disposal of wastewater to protect the environment and comply with regulations. The city's plumbing services also play a crucial role in maintaining water systems and addressing emergencies, contributing to the overall water management in Angola, Indiana.

Water softening

Ion-Exchange Resin Method

Conventional water-softening appliances for household use rely on ion-exchange resins. In this process, "hardness ions" such as Ca2+ and Mg2+ are exchanged for sodium or potassium ions (Na+ and K+). Resins are organic polymers that contain anionic functional groups, to which the divalent cations (Ca2+) bind more strongly than monovalent cations (Na+). When all the Na+ ions have been replaced with calcium or magnesium ions, the resin must be recharged by eluting the Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions using a sodium chloride or sodium hydroxide solution.

Lime Softening

Lime softening is the process of adding lime to hard water to make it softer. While this method has several advantages over the ion-exchange method, it is mainly suited for commercial treatment applications.

Distillation and Reverse Osmosis

Distillation and reverse osmosis are non-chemical methods of water softening. Since Ca2+ and Mg2+ exist as non-volatile salts, they can be removed by distilling the water. Distillation is more expensive and energy-inefficient compared to other methods. Reverse osmosis, on the other hand, uses a semipermeable membrane and an applied pressure gradient to remove hardness ions from the water.

Nanofiltration

Nanofiltration is similar to reverse osmosis in that it uses a semipermeable membrane, but the pores in the filter membrane are larger (≤10 nanometers in diameter). This process is often used in conjunction with reverse osmosis filtration.

Water filtration

The Angola Water Treatment Plant has undergone improvements and expansions since its acquisition by the City in 1921. The current facilities include processes such as aeration, filtration, ion exchange softening, chlorination, and fluoridation. These processes work together to enhance the quality of the water supplied to the community.

One of the key steps in water filtration is aeration, where water comes in contact with air to reduce the concentration of volatile substances. This step not only improves the taste and odour of the water but also facilitates the oxidation of iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, and organic matter.

Another critical process is filtration, which specifically targets the removal of iron and manganese from the water. This step ensures that the water is free from these unwanted substances, contributing to its overall purity.

Ion exchange softening is also an important technique employed in the water filtration process. In this step, the calcium and magnesium present in hard water are replaced by sodium from the exchanger, resulting in softer water that is gentler on appliances and plumbing systems.

Disinfection is a vital aspect of water filtration, ensuring the safety of the water supply. A small amount of chlorine is added to eradicate any harmful bacteria or microorganisms that may be present, safeguarding the health of those who consume the water.

Fluoridation is the final step in the water filtration process in Angola, Indiana. Fluoride is added to achieve an optimal concentration of 0.7 mg/l, which is recommended for the prevention of dental decay. This step ensures that the water not only hydrates but also promotes dental health among the community.

Overall, the water filtration process in Angola, Indiana, is comprehensive and adheres to the regulations set by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The City of Angola is dedicated to providing its residents with safe and reliable drinking water, and the water filtration processes in place reflect this commitment.

Water disinfection

The most widely used method for disinfecting water supplies in the United States is chlorination, which has been so successful that freedom from epidemics of waterborne diseases is now taken for granted. However, the discovery that chlorination can result in the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs) and other halogenated hydrocarbons has prompted the re-examination of available disinfection methodology to determine alternative agents or procedures.

Other methods of water disinfection include:

• Ozone
• Chlorine dioxide
• Iodine
• Bromine
• Ultraviolet radiation
• High pH conditions
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Ionizing radiation
• Potassium permanganate
• Silver

Fluoridation

The Angola Water Treatment Plant in Indiana, acquired by the City in 1921, adds fluoride to a recommended optimum concentration of 0.7 mg/l for the prevention of dental decay. The process of fluoridation is one of several steps in Angola's water treatment process, which also includes aeration, filtration, ion exchange softening, and chlorination. The treated water is then stored for fire protection and to meet peak demand.

Water fluoridation was first practiced in the United States and has since been introduced in varying degrees in many countries and territories outside the U.S., including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Serbia, Singapore, Spain, the UK, and Vietnam. As of 2012, about 435 million people worldwide received water fluoridated at the recommended level, with about 214 million of them living in the United States.

The practice of water fluoridation is controversial, with some opponents arguing that neither the benefits nor the risks have been adequately studied and that it represents a conflict between the common good and individual liberties. However, major health organizations such as the World Health Organization and FDI World Dental Federation support water fluoridation as safe and effective.

Water quality testing

The Angola Water Treatment Plant, acquired by the City in 1921, has undergone improvements and expansions to facilitate effective water treatment and testing. The plant utilises various treatment methods, including aeration, filtration, ion exchange softening, chlorination, and fluoridation, to ensure the water is safe for consumption.

The City of Angola Water Works is responsible for managing drinking water production, storage, and distribution, and they continuously monitor the treated water supply. Daily chemical tests and weekly bacteriological tests are conducted to ensure the water's safety and compliance with regulations. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines are followed to ensure the highest standards of water quality.

Additionally, the Angola Wastewater Treatment Plant plays a crucial role in treating wastewater before discharging it into the H.D. Wood Ditch, which eventually flows into the St. Joseph River. This process involves physical and biological treatment methods, including screening, grit removal, primary clarification, secondary aeration, and UV disinfection, ensuring that the treated water meets the required standards before being released into the environment.

For residents who want to test their tap water quality, there are several options available. The EPA recommends using certified labs for accurate results, and while these tests can be pricey, local health departments may offer free or low-cost alternatives. Mail-in kits are also a convenient option, with some, like the one offered by Healthy Babies Bright Futures, specialising in specific contaminants such as lead.

Frequently asked questions