Courtesy of The EPA
Follow a drop of water from the source through the water treatment process it goes through before coming to your water faucet at home.
Water may be treated differently in different communities depending on the quality of the water which enters the plant. Groundwater is water located under ground and typically requires less treatment than water from lakes, rivers, and streams.
1. Coagulation
Coagulation removes dirt and other particles suspended in water. Alum and other chemicals are added to water to form tiny sticky particles called “floc” which attract the dirt particles. The combined weight of the dirt and the alum (floc) become heavy enough to sink to the bottom during sedimentation.
2. Sedimentation
The heavy particles (floc) settle to the bottom and the clear water moves to filtration.
3. Filtration
The water passes through filters, some made of layers of sand, gravel, and charcoal that help remove even smaller particles.
4. Disinfection
A small amount of chlorine is added or some other disinfection method is used to kill any bacteria or microorganisims that may be in the water.
5. Storage
Water is placed in a closed tank or reservoir in order for disinfection to take place. The water then flows through pipes to homes and businesses in the community.
