Water is the source of life. However, to be truly suitable for human consumption and use, water needs to go through a careful processing process. This is called water treatment.
Water treatment plays a vital role in ensuring the water we use for drinking, bathing, farming, and various other needs is safe and healthy.
Read this article to learn more about why water treatment is important and how it works.
What is Water Treatment?
Water treatment is the process of improving water quality so that it can be used for various purposes. This process can be used for various water sources or raw water, such as:
- Surface Water: Consists of rivers, reservoirs, and lakes. Typically contains many pollutants such as bacteria, parasites, sediment, and chemicals.
- Groundwater: Comes from underground and is generally cleaner than surface water. However, it can still contain dissolved minerals, arsenic, and nitrates.
- Wastewater: This is water used for domestic, industrial, and agricultural use. It requires special treatment to reduce organic contamination, nutrients, and heavy metals.
- Seawater: Used for desalination into fresh water in areas with limited freshwater resources. The process requires significant energy.
Why is Water Treatment Important?
Consuming untreated water can be fatal. Microbiological contamination can cause diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. Harmful chemicals such as arsenic and nitrates can trigger cancer and other health problems.
Furthermore, cloudy water containing excess minerals can be aesthetically unsightly and damage equipment. Water treatment is also useful for treating wastewater to make it safer, thereby reducing its negative impact on the environment.
Water treatment ensures the health and well-being of the community. Drinkable and clean water is a basic human need.
What are the Water Treatment Processes/Methods?
Water treatment methods vary depending on the type of water and its level of contamination. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, here are some of the main methods used for water treatment.
1. Coagulation
Coagulation is the process of adding chemicals (coagulants) to water to neutralize the charge of small, dispersed colloidal particles. Coagulants such as alum, aluminum sulfate, and polyaluminum chloride (PAC) bind the colloidal particles, causing them to clump together into larger clumps (floc).
2. Flocculation
Flocculation is the next stage where the small flocs formed during the coagulation stage are strengthened. Slow, gentle stirring will help the flocs come into contact with each other and coalesce, resulting in larger, more easily settled flocs.
During this stage, you can also add flocculants to increase the efficiency of the water treatment process. There are three main types of flocculants: anionic, cationic, and non-ionic.
Read Also: Ensure Water Quality with the Right Water Treatment Chemical
3. Sedimentation
In the sedimentation stage, the formed floc is allowed to settle at the bottom of the settling tank. Gravity pulls the floc downward, leaving clear, floc-free water at the top.
4. Filtration
Filtration is the process of filtering settled water to remove remaining floc and other particles. The water is passed through filter media such as sand, activated carbon, and membranes with different pores to capture smaller particles.
5. Disinfection
Disinfection is the final stage in water treatment to kill harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. Chemicals such as chlorine, calcium hypochlorite, and ultraviolet light are used to ensure the water is free of pathogens and safe for consumption.
Water treatment processes can vary depending on the quality of the raw water and the desired water quality. For example, water intended for drinking requires more stringent treatment processes than usual.
PT Lautan Air Indonesia is a company with 30 years of experience in the water treatment industry, dedicated to providing innovative, sophisticated, and reliable solutions for your water needs. Supported by experts and an experienced team, we offer personalized water treatment solutions.
Contact us now for a free consultation and a solution tailored to your needs.
