SORSOGON STATE COLLEGE | AS 211 – CHEMISTRY FOR TECHNOLOGISTS MODULE 2

METHODS OF WATER
TREATMENT

INTRODUCTION
The water treatment process may vary slightly at different locations,
depending on the technology of the plant and the water it needs to
process, but the basic principles are largely the same.

1. INTAKE FILTERING
In this method raw or untreated water usually enters a water
treatment plant through pipeline or tunnel. A series of screens
prevents debris from entering the water treatment system.

2. COAGULATION and FLOCCULATION

COAGULATION
During coagulation, liquid aluminum sulfate (alum) and/or
polymer is added to untreated (raw) water to speed up the
sedimentation process. When mixed with the water, this causes
the tiny particles of dirt in the water to stick together or
coagulate. (see Figure 1)

FLOCCULATION
Groups of dirt particles stick together to form larger, heavier
particles called Flocs which are easier to remove by settling or
filtration. (see Figure 1)
Figure 1. The untreated water in the first beaker shows
formation of small particles sticking together. After a
3. SEDIMENTATION while the dirt particles forms larger particles called
flocs. Lastly, the heavy floc settles at the bottom of the
As the water and the floc particles progress through the treatment beaker.
process, they move into sedimentation basins where the water Credit: https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/flocculants-chemical-
8962171355.html
moves slowly, causing the heavy floc particles to settle to the
bottom. Floc which collects on the bottom of the basin is called
Sludge, and is piped to drying lagoons. In Direct Filtration, the
sedimentation step is not included, and the floc is removed by
filtration only. (see Figure 1)

4. FILTRATION
Water flows through a filter designed to remove particles in the
water. The filters are made of layers of sand and gravel (18 to 24
inches thick), and in some cases, crushed anthracite (24 to 30
inches thick). Filtration collects the suspended impurities in water
and enhances the effectiveness of disinfection. The filters are
routinely cleaned by backwashing.
The raw water then is pumped into a discharge basin and then
given several types of chemical treatment.
Figure 2. The filtration process
5. DISINFECTION Credits: Meschke, John Scott and Gwy-Am Shin. Water and wastewater
treatment processes. https://slideplayer.com/slide/8273976/

Water is disinfected before it enters the distribution system to

ensure that any disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and parasites are
destroyed. Chlorine is used because it is a very effective

Author | MARY ROSE BONETE-LACDANG Contributor/Editor | ALVIN ZAULDA GRULLA 2

SORSOGON STATE COLLEGE | AS 211 – CHEMISTRY FOR TECHNOLOGISTS MODULE 4

disinfectant, and residual concentrations can be maintained to

guard against possible biological contamination in the water
distribution system. Sometimes disinfectants like Chlorine dioxide,
iodine, or ozone are added in controlled amounts to kill bacteria
and other organisms. When chlorine is used, activated carbon or
ammonia is usually added to remove the taste of chlorine from
the water.

6. pH CORRECTION
To prevent the corrosion of pipes, lime or caustic soda is
sometimes added to acidic water to adjust the pH and stabilize Figure 3. Lime is added to water to adjust pH levels
the naturally soft water. (see Figure 3) caused by impurities and other chemicals added
during the treatment process.
7. AERATION https://shoalwater.nsw.gov.au/Community/Tapstar/Kids/Your-
Water/Water-Treatment/PH-correction

This is done either before or after filtration, the water may be

aerated (exposed to air) to remove unpleasant odors and tastes
caused by decomposing organic matters, industrial wastes and
some gases. It is also effective in removing radon (gaseous
element formed by the radioactive decay of radium) from water. In
this method oxygen in the air combines with foul-smelling
substances to change them into odorless compounds.

Here’s an infographic on another process used in water treatment.

https://www.compoundchem.com/2016/04/21/water-treatment/

Author | MARY ROSE BONETE-LACDANG Contributor/Editor | ALVIN ZAULDA GRULLA 3