WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES

WHAT WE MEAN BY WATER PURIFICATION

When we refer to water purification, it makes little sense to discuss the subject
without first identifying the contaminants that we wish to remove from water. Also,
the source of the water is of importance. Our discussion at this point focuses on
drinking water. Groundwater sources are of a particular concern, because there are
many communities throughout the U.S. that rely on this form. The following are
some of the major contaminants that are of concern in water purification
applications, as applied to drinking water sources, derived from groundwater.

Surface Water

Groundwater

Public Water

Surface Water

Noncommunity

Groundwater

Heavy Metals - Heavy metals represent problems in terms of groundwater

pollution. The best way to identify their presence is by a lab test of the water or
by contacting county health departments. There are concerns of chronic
exposure to low levels of heavy metals in drinking water.
Turbidity - Turbidity refers to suspended solids, i.e. muddy water, is very turbid.
Turbidity is undesirable for three reasons:
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aesthetic considerations,
solids may contain heavy metals, pathogens or other contaminants,