Forming tap chart download#

Water treatment plants often use reverse osmosis when treating recycled water external icon (also called reused water) or salt water for drinking. Reverse osmosis external icon is another filtration method that removes additional particles from water. This filter only lets through water and other small molecules (such as salts and tiny, charged molecules). During ultrafiltration, the water goes through a filter membrane with very small pores. Water treatment plants can use a process called ultrafiltration in addition to or instead of traditional filtration. Activated carbon filters also remove any bad odors. These filters remove dissolved particles and germs, such as dust, chemicals, parasites, bacteria, and viruses. During filtration, the clear water passes through filters that have different pore sizes and are made of different materials (such as sand, gravel, and charcoal). Once the flocs have settled to the bottom of the water, the clear water on top is filtered to separate additional solids from the water.

During sedimentation, flocs settle to the bottom of the water because they are heavier than water. Sedimentation is one of the steps water treatment plants use to separate out solids from the water. Often, water treatment plants will add additional chemicals during this step to help the flocs form. Flocculation is the gentle mixing of the water to form larger, heavier particles called flocs. Flocculationįlocculation follows the coagulation step. Common chemicals used in this step include specific types of salts, aluminum, or iron. When this occurs, the particles bind with the chemicals to form slightly larger particles. The positive charge neutralizes the negative charge of dirt and other dissolved particles in the water.

During coagulation, chemicals with a positive charge are added to the water.

Forming tap chart download#

Download image Water treatment steps CoagulationĬoagulation is often the first step in water treatment.