Aeration - Water is sprayed into the air to release any trapped gases and to absorb oxygen for better taste.

Flocculation - Alum is rapidly mixed into the water, causing particles in the water to coagulate, or clump together into larger particles known as floc.

Sedimentation - The water flows slowly through a basin or tank where the floc settles to the bottom.

Filtration - The clear water is filtered through coal, sand, and gravel to remove small, light particles.

Disinfection - Small amounts of chlorine or other chemicals are added to kill remaining germs to keep the water pure as it travels through pipelines.