Turn the knob on the faucet and out comes the water. Seems simple enough, but it isn’t.

Ironton Mayor Rich Blankenship said in his six years as the city’s top administrator he has been asked often about the process.

“People have asked me about how our water is processed,” he said. “They have asked about what kind of chemicals are put in it and things like that.”

To answer the posed questions and any others Blankenship is offering public tours of Ironton’s water plant at 400 S. Front St.

“The comprehensive tour will show anyone who is interested our water process from the beginning to the tap,” he said. “I will discuss the chemical levels and state laws we have to follow. (The tour) is intended to educate the public.”

City residents being aware of how the process works is important, Blankenship said. There are 4,800 water meters citywide.

“Too often people take for granted that they can just turn on the tap and water comes out,” he said. “It’s a big job providing that water and ensuring that it is clean, safe to drink and use.”

To schedule a tour, call Blankenship’s office at 740-532-3833 and request a day and time. He asked that those interested leave a callback number. Tours will be given as long as there is a demand, Blankenship said.