Treatment of the Public Water Supply

Treatment of the Public Water Supply

Treatment of Public Water Supply

Screening

• Screening is the first step in the water treatment process, where water from a source (like a lake, river, or reservoir) is passed through screens to remove large debris.

Sedimentation

• The water then undergoes sedimentation, where it’s left in a settlement tank and heavy particles sink to the bottom under gravity.

Filtration

• Filtration is the next step, where the water is passed through philtres made of sand and gravel. This removes smaller particles, like grit, algae, and bacteria.

Chlorination

• The water is next treated with chlorine to kill any remaining microbes. This process is known as chlorination.

Fluoridation

• Some water supplies are treated with fluoride (a process called fluoridation) to improve dental health in the population.

Buffering

• A buffer may be added to adjust the pH of the water for safety and palatability.

Monitoring

• Regular monitoring ensures the water supply stays clean and safe. This may involve checks for pH, chlorine levels, or the presence of specific pathogens.

Final Delivery

• The treated water is pumped into homes and businesses via a network of pipe, caution must be taken to ensure that the quality of the water is maintained during this final step.