What Chemical is Most Often Used in Water Treatment Plants

Water is essential for life and is one of the most precious resources on our planet. However, the quality of the water we consume can be compromised due to pollutants, microorganisms, and other contaminants. To ensure that water is safe for human consumption, water treatment plants are responsible for purifying and treating water before it enters our homes. One of the primary chemicals used in water treatment plants is chlorine.

Why is Chlorine Used in Water Treatment Plants

Chlorine is used to disinfect water in treatment plants due to its strong oxidizing properties that enable it to kill a wide range of microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Chlorine can effectively destroy harmful pathogens that might be present in water, thus making it safe for human consumption. It is also cheap and readily available, which makes it an ideal choice in water treatment plants.

How is Chlorine Used in Water Treatment Plants

Water treatment plants use two types of chlorine – gas chlorine, and liquid sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite. Gas chlorine is used in large water treatment plants, whereas liquid chlorine is used in smaller water treatment plants. The chlorine is added to the water treatment process once the water has been treated and filtered, and it remains in the water as it passes through the distribution system. The dosage level of chlorine is critical, and it is continuously monitored and adjusted throughout the water treatment process.

What Other Chemicals are Used in Water Treatment Plants

In addition to chlorine, some water treatment plants use different chemical processes depending on the specific needs. For example, fluorine is added to water to promote dental health by strengthening tooth enamel. Other chemicals used in the water treatment process include aluminum sulfate, which is used to remove impurities, and sodium hydroxide, which balances the water's acidity level. Carbon is also used in the water treatment process as a filter to remove impurities, while ozone is used as a disinfectant to kill microorganisms.

Conclusion

Water treatment plants play a vital role in providing us with safe drinking water by purifying and treating water using various chemicals, including chlorine. Chlorine is the most commonly used chemical in water treatment plants because of its strong disinfectant properties, and it effectively kills harmful pathogens that may be present in the water. Other chemicals, such as aluminum sulfate and sodium hydroxide, are also used in the water treatment process to remove impurities and chemicals that affect the water's quality. As such, water treatment plants are critical in ensuring that we have access to clean and safe drinking water.