Some ABCs about Apple Valley's H2O

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Apple Valley recently completed a $15 million expansion of its water treatment facility and held an open house showcasing it. Some facts from utility supervisor Carol Blommel Johnson:

• The project was done to prepare the city of about 49,000 for future growth.

• Apple Valley routinely uses 15 wells, each sunk 450 to 480 feet deep. Another five provide emergency backup.

• The plant typically produces 4 million gallons a day in the winter and up to 16 million in the summer. Why the surge? "Lawn irrigation," Blommel Johnson said. "People washing cars. … You're doing more activities outside." This summer, with much rain, the output is about 8 million gallons per day, she said.

• Daily use per person is about 85 to 100 gallons.