Lee Hall has practiced biological filtration since its startup in 2005. Biological filtration, or biofiltration, is the practice of having controlled growth of microorganisms within the granular media that composes water filters. These controlled microorganisms consume nutrients in the water resulting in better quality water delivered to our customers.

Biofiltration as it is applied at the Lee Hall Water Treatment Plant is still a relatively new technology. For several summers the Waterworks Department has participated in collaborative research efforts with the Water Research Foundation. This past summer we focused on chemical additions to the biofilters and monitoring the effects on microorganism health and water quality. Newport News Waterworks and other utilities around the country work together and pool information to collectively complete research and create a shared knowledge base that can better inform the industry as a whole.

This is one example of the Waterworks Department’s commitment to cooperation and advancing the water industry. This is one example of the Waterworks Department’s commitment to cooperation and advancing the water industry.