In general, the water treatment process includes the following stages:

• water ammonation (ammonium sulfate is used),
• water disinfection (sodium hypochlorite is used),
• coagulation of pollutants (aluminium sulfate is used),
• flocculation (cationic flocculant is used)
• sand filtration in contact clarifiers (one-stage treatment scheme)
• sedimentation and sand filtration in rapid filters (two-stage treatment scheme)
• Disinfection by UV exposure.

Since 2007, Vodokanal applies a unique two-stage process of overall water disinfection at St. Petersburg waterworks.

This process is based on a highly effective but safe chemical – sodium hypochlorite (chemical method) and UV water treatment (physical method). Such combination enables us to fully guarantee epidemiological safety of water supply in St. Petersburg, and total compliance of microbiological indicators of water quality with the current norms.

Saint-Petersburg is the first megalopolis to treat all potable water with ultraviolet and to use no liquid chlorine for potable water disinfection.

The official ceremony of discarding the last chlorine container was held at the Northern Waterworks on 26 June, 2009. Chlorine (a hazardous substance to store and transport) gave place to safe sodium hypochlorite. Two plants for production of low-concentrated sodium hypochlorite are in operation in St. Petersburg – at the Southern Waterworks (since 2006) and at the Northern Waterworks (since 2008).

Another technology used by Vodokanal for over two years is a powdered activated carbon (PAC) dosing system which ensures removal of odors and oil products.

Vodokanal is proud of its unique system of water quality biomonitoring - diagnostics of the functional status of crayfish and fish.

The method developed by the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Environmental Safety Research Institute consists in measuring the local crayfish cardiorythm and analysing the behavior of fish. If the water from the Neva contains toxic substances, the heart rate of crayfish increases, and the behavior of fish changes significantly. Now, the biomonitoring system is used at all waterworks in the city.

The “staff” of the Main Waterworks includes 12 crayfish. Their working schedule: two days in the aquarium under supervision, then four days of rest and active eating. Vodokanal employs male crawfish only.