Water purification involves removing impurities and harmful organisms from natural or human drainage water sources. The process includes pumping water into a holding tank, adjusting pH levels, adding flocculation particles, and active filtering through sand or polymer mesh. Modern methods include hydrogen peroxide, ozone, and ultraviolet light.
A water purification process is one of several methods used to create clean water from natural water sources or human drainage systems. The most common water purification process involves drawing water from a constant source, such as a lake, stream, or sewage system, and mechanically removing all physical impurities. After the impurities have been removed and the harmful organisms in the water have been killed, the water is safe for use.
In general, the first step in a water purification process is to remove water from its source. This generally means that the water is pumped from the source system into a holding tank. This is actually a very important step; because these holding tanks allow the water to remain still, they allow many of the materials held in suspension to separate.
Once separated from the source water, the initial water purification process can begin. The first step is the tank. While the water is in the tank waiting to be processed, it undergoes a handful of preparation steps. Large physical objects such as sticks and rocks are removed. Subsequently, the pH of the water is adjusted within a specific window. Finally, the soda ash is placed in salt-rich water to start a reaction that results in calcium carbonate.
Most processes use this point to sanitize water. As the water moves from the holding tank to the purification area, the harmful microbes in the water are killed. While chlorine-based methods were common in the past, these methods are used less and less today. Common modern methods include hydrogen peroxide, ozone and ultraviolet light.
The actual water purification process begins with flocculation. Very small particles are added to the water; these particles vary according to the source of the water and the location of the plant. These particles are naturally attracted to each other and many common impurities. The particles begin to combine with the material in the water and with each other to form pellets. The water then enters a tank where the balls sink to the bottom.
After settling, the water purification process switches to active filtering. There are several filtration methods used, but most of them involve forcing the water through the sand. Some processes go further, using a specialized polymer mesh that literally catches impurities as they pass. Once filtration is complete, the water is cleaned for human use or sent to settling ponds where it evaporates back into the local water system.
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