How is Water Purified at the Water Purification Plant

Water is the most essential element for human beings. Almost all of our daily activities require the use of clean and safe water. With the rapid growth of the population, increasing levels of pollution and water scarcity, the need for clean water has become more critical than ever. At the water purification plant, water is treated to remove harmful contaminants and make it fit for consumption. In this article, we will discuss how water is purified at the water purification plant.

Coagulation and Flocculation

Coagulation and flocculation are the initial stages of water purification. In this stage, chemicals like alum and ferric chloride are added to the water to make the contaminants in the water clump together. This process is called coagulation. Then, the water is gently stirred to create flocs. These flocs are large enough to be easily removed in the next stage of purification.

Sedimentation

The water is then allowed to settle in a sedimentation tank for several hours. During this process, the flocs settle to the bottom of the tank, while the clear water moves to the next stage of purification. The settled flocs, known as sludge, are removed from the tank and sent for further treatment and disposal.

Filtration

The next stage of purification is filtration. During this process, the clear water is passed through sand filters to remove any remaining particles that were missed in the previous stages. The size of the sand particles in the filter is selected based on the size of the contaminants in the water. The smaller the particles, the better the filtration.

Disinfection

The final stage of water purification is disinfection. In this stage, the water is disinfected to remove any remaining bacteria and viruses that may be present. Chlorine or other disinfectants are added to the water to kill any microorganisms that may be harmful to human health. The amount of disinfectant added is carefully monitored to ensure that the water is safe to drink. The water is then sent to a storage tank before being distributed to homes and businesses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, water purification is a multi-stage process that is designed to create clean and safe drinking water. Each stage of water purification serves a specific purpose and is critical in ensuring that the water is free from harmful pollutants and microorganisms. Without water purification plants, we would not have access to clean water, and our health and quality of life would be compromised. It is essential that we continue to invest in water purification technology and maintain the highest standards of water quality to safeguard our health and the environment.