Scuba divers recently spent a few weeks at our Water Treatment Plant (WTP) with a big task – replacing four intake screens in the Tar River. 

Turning river water into drinking water is quite a task with a lot of steps, and it all begins with bringing water from the Tar River into the WTP. Water enters the Plant through four intakes in the river, and each intake has a pair of screens that keep out large debris.  

Over the years, riverbank erosion has damaged two of the intakes (four screens) to the point of needing to replace them. In December 2022, GUC contracted with divers to begin the months-long process of replacing the four damaged screens with ones that are better designed to handle the years-long stress caused by river debris and water current as well as backwash pressure from the raw water pump station.  

Since intake screens are our first line of defense in water treatment, it’s important to keep them well maintained. The Plant also contracts with divers annually to inspect and clean the area around the screens. Having a healthy intake area makes the treatment process more efficient and maximizes pumping capacity. 

“Quality drinking water is important to us and our customers,” said WTP Facility Manager Julius Patrick. “This project is one way we can continue to maintain high treatment standards.”