Water Purification Process

Water purification is the process of removing contaminants from untreated or raw water to get pure water that is safe for consumption. It consists of three different processes .

Physical processes 

• Filtration, sedimentation and distillation 

Biological processes

• Slow and filters or biologically active carbon 

Chemical processes 

• Flocculation, chlorination and the use of ultraviolet light

Steps of the Purification Process 

The water purification process consists of four major steps. 

Coagulation 

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Sedimentation 

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Filtration 

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Disinfection 

Coagulation 

When the water from ground, lakes, or river enters a water treatment plant, it is coagulated by the addition of alum and other chemicals. These sticky particles also known as floc, attract dirt particles which make them heavy and they sink to the bottom. 

Sedimentation 

The water and floc pass into the sedimentation basin. The heavy floc settles down and the water is passed through filtration tanks. 

Filtration 

The filtration tanks consist of layers of gravel and sand which filter out the remaining contaminants. 

Disinfection 

The water is passed into a closed reservoir containing disinfectants such as chlorine. These disinfectants kill the bacteria or micro-organisms present in the water 

The purified water then flows through pipes to homes.