Trip to the Reservoir
On Wednesday, March 4th, 6th class and the Green School’s Committee visited the water reservoir in Birr where we met with Charlie Brophy, who manages the reservoir in Birr. Brendan the Health and Safety officer was there also. The reservoir is located in Hillside in Birr.
When we arrived we saw eight working water filters, the first few filters contained water straight from the river and were slightly yellow. The water became clearer as chemicals, fluoride and chlorine, were added and the filtration process continued.
We moved upstairs while Charlie took us on the tour of the plant. First he showed us the pipes where our water was sourced from the Camcor river. From there the water passes through a series of filtration tanks. The chemical allium is added first to bind the dirt particles together. Allium is a powder, when mixed with water it turns into a jelly like substance. The next process of filtration was through the use of sand blankets.
Finally fluoride and chlorine were added to ensure all the harmful bacteria are removed.
The water is now fit for consumption after being thoroughly inspected.
Inspections continue daily by a variety of organisations e.g. HSE, EPO and WHO. This ensures an extremely safe standard of water to our taps.
In times of an emergency there is an eight hour reserve at the reservoir. The reservoir is working to its maximum, additional tanks will have to be added to cater for new growth to the town and surrounding area.
Charlie Brophy, the water manager at the plant is on call seven days a week to ensure the water we receive is of an excellent standard. The reservoir is a very important resource and facility to Birr.
