How is Water Purified in a Water Treatment Plant

Access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental human right. However, not all water sources are safe for drinking, and therefore must be treated and purified to remove impurities and contaminants. A water treatment plant is a facility that uses various methods to purify water for human consumption. This article will discuss the methods used to purify water in a water treatment plant.

Coagulation and Flocculation

The first step in water treatment is coagulation and flocculation. Coagulation involves adding chemicals to the water, such as alum, which help to clump the impurities and make them easier to remove. Flocculation then involves gently stirring the water to form larger impurity clumps. This process essentially allows the impurities to settle and form a floc, which can then be removed more easily.

Sedimentation and Filtration

Next, the water is sent to a sedimentation tank, where the floc settles to the bottom of the tank. The clarified water is then sent to a filtration system, where it is passed through layers of sand, gravel, and charcoal to remove any remaining impurities. Filtration is one of the most important steps in the water treatment process for removing microscopic impurities such as bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances.

Disinfection

After filtration, the water is disinfected to kill any remaining bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms. Chlorine is commonly used for disinfection because it is effective in killing a wide range of microorganisms, has residual effects, and is relatively inexpensive. However, alternative disinfection methods such as ultraviolet light and ozonation may also be used. These methods use different manners of killing bacteria, viruses and other harmful substances, without the use of strong chemicals, which may be more environment-friendly.

Storage and Distribution

The final step in water treatment is storage and distribution. Treated water is stored in large tanks, and then pumped to a distribution system for delivery to homes, schools, businesses, and other places where it is needed. The distribution system includes pipes, pumps, and other equipment necessary for delivering water to consumers. Proper maintenance of this system is important to ensure the continued delivery of safe and clean water to consumers.

Conclusion

Water treatment is a vital process in ensuring that people have access to clean and safe drinking water. By understanding the methods used to purify water in a water treatment plant, we can appreciate the effort put forth by water treatment professionals to ensure that we have access to reliable and safe water supplies.