1. A World of Water Part 2 Today’s Goal:
To learn where your drinking water comes from and the steps that are taken to make sure your tap water is clean and safe.
To explore some history of water in Kentucky and McCreary County.

2. A World of Water Part 2
Water played a critical role in defining early settlements.

3. A World of Water Part 2
Most major cities were first settled due to their location near a water supply

4. A World of Water Part 2
What are the two main rivers that run through McCreary County?
The Big South Fork River
The Cumberland River

5. The Big South Fork River
A World of Water Part 2
Follow the Flow
The Gulf of Mexico
The Mississippi River
The Ohio River
The Cumberland River
The Big South Fork River

6. A World of Water Part 2
McCreary County Water District was started in 1962 with 75 customers.
1962

7. A World of Water Part 2
Today, McCreary County Water District has over 6,000 customers.

8. A World of Water Part 2
The Water District also provides water for the Federal Prison in Pine Knot, Cumberland Falls State Park, and even another county (Whitley County).

9. Over 2,000 A World of Water Part 2
McCreary County now has over 2,000 fire hydrants.
Over 2,000

10. A World of Water Part 2
McCreary County Water District uses surface water from two sources.
The Big South Fork River
The Laurel Creek Reservoir

11. 6.5 MILLION A World of Water Part 2
The two water treatment plants that are operated by McCreary County Water District can treat up to 6,500,000 gallons of water a day.

12. Let’s go through the treatment process together
A World of Water Part 2
Let’s go through the treatment process together
Intake
Flash Mix
Coagulation
Sedimentation
Polishing Basin
Filtration
Disinfection
Fluoridation
Storage
Pumping

13. MCWD’s Raw Water Intake – located near Big Creek on the BSF River
A World of Water Part 2
Water can be withdrawn from The Big South Fork River or the Laurel Creek Reservoir at three different levels.
Intake
MCWD’s Raw Water Intake –
located near Big Creek on the BSF River

14. Flash Mix A World of Water Part 2
Electric pumps move the water into the flash mix while chemicals are added to it.
Flash Mix

15. Coagulation A World of Water Part 2 Before After
The chemicals make tiny pieces of dirt and debris stick together. When the particles get big enough, they sink to the bottom.
Coagulation
Before
After

16. Sedimentation A World of Water Part 2
The water moves through a settling chamber and through settling tubes where it slows down, allowing the sediment to fall out
Sedimentation

17. When it comes to water treatment, TIME is your friend!
A World of Water Part 2
Water then moves into the final clarifying chamber where it is given additional time to allow any remaining particles to settle out.
Polishing Basin
When it comes to water treatment, TIME is your friend!

18. Water passes through filters made of coal, sand, and gravel.
A World of Water Part 2
Water passes through filters made of coal, sand, and gravel.
Filtration
Gravel
Sand
Coal

19. Disinfection A World of Water Part 2 Kills Germs!
Chlorine is added to disinfect the water.
Disinfection
Kills Germs!

20. Fluoridation A World of Water Part 2
Adding Fluoride to the water helps prevent cavities.
Fluoridation
Eating too
Much Ice Cream
Doesn’t

21. Now the water’s ready to be shipped to your house!
A World of Water Part 2
Water then moves to the clearwells, which are approximately one million gallons of underground reservoirs.
Now the water’s ready to be shipped to your house!
Storage

22. Pumping A World of Water Part 2
Electric pumps give the water just the boost it needs to get moving toward your house.
Pumping