Cleaning the Water

Farther down the Columbia River is the city of Pasco, Washington. Roberto López plays basketball at his school there. Roberto stops for a drink of water. The water in the water fountain comes from the Columbia River.

Before the water reaches Roberto’s school, though, it has to be cleaned. People cannot safely drink water directly from rivers. The water is treated at a water treatment plant first.

Illustration of part of a map showing water, land, and labels
Water is cleaned in a water treatment plant.

Water is cleaned in a water treatment plant.

Key Vocabulary

  • safely adv., without danger; without being hurt

  • treat v., to change something

In Other Words

  • directly from right out of

  • water treatment plant special place for cleaning water

Before You Move On

  • 1. Main Idea and Details Why does Kevin Aiken use river water to grow cherry trees?

  • 2. Inference What do you think happens when people drink water that is not treated? Explain your answer.