Simply Good Water

The history of waterworks in Poznań dates back to the Middle Ages and first record of their functioning dates back to 1282. In the centuries that followed, the city was supplied with water via wooden pipes. Edward Raczyński was among those who in the 19th c. fought for supplying water to the downtown area.
 At present, supplying water and sewage collection is a basic standard. The majority of people open a tap without wondering how the water is delivered to them. However, it is the quality of water that is the major factor in the assessment of water suppliers.
 In Poland, quality requirements for potable and industrial water are regulated by a decree of Ministry of Health and Social Services, which is based on recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). The latest directive of the European Union is also based on these recommendations. Water produced by the water treatment plant in Poznań is compliant with Polish and European sanitary regulations. What is more, thanks to techniques used for piping and treating water, it achieves top quality parameters in comparison to other large cities in Poland. Due to the high class of ground and infiltration water cleanliness, it is treated with use of natural methods, without employing chemical processes or adding chemical reagents. The water is only chlorinated, which according to World Health Organization poses only a slight danger to health when compared to the hazards resulting from insufficient disinfection of water (disinfection ensures microbiological safety in pipelines that are dozens of kilometers long).

Presently, the Poznań Water and Wastewater Company is introducing a modern and safer chlorination method at the chlorination plant in Mosina. At the plant, chlorine dioxide has replaced pure chlorine. What is more, chlorine dioxide is produced on site with the use of specialized automated apparatus imported from Germany.
The water treatment technological process is constantly monitored by the company's laboratory. Both treated and untreated water is controlled there. In addition, Ťbiomonitoring of water entering the treatment plant is carried out with the use of live organisms. Mussels, which live in the water, react to fluctuations in concentration of chemical substances that can arise in untreated water.
 Poznań Water and Wastewater Company supplies also neighboring municipalities with water, including Luboń, Puszczykowo, Mosina, Swarzędz,  Czerwonak, and Murowana Goślina. Additionally, the company collects part of the sewage from Suchy Las and Tarnowo Podgórne. Development of this form of cooperation proves that the Poznań Water Company is able to adjust its offer to the needs of small towns, too.
 In June 1998, the company launched an interesting educational program. Primary school pupils visit the treatment plant and learn about the water production and sewage treatment process.  Such a combination of education and entertainment results in the creation of positive ecological attitudes in children.