Water Technology

Water
Impurities

Suspended Impurities

Dissolved Impurities

Examples: clay, mud,

organic matters
Filteration is used to
removed these kind of Examples: Dissolved
impurities gasses, salts
The impurities can be
removed by softening
process

Colloidal Impurities

Examples: Colloidal
particles of clay, mud
organic matter, etc
Biological Impurities

It can be removed by
coagulation
Examples: algae,
fungi, bartecrias, etc.

Through sterilization is the

process to remove these
kind of impurities.

Types of Water
1. Soft Water – it is a water that when mixed to soap solution, it forms lather or foam. It is
surface water that contains low concentrations of ions and in particular is low in ions of
calcium and magnesium.
2. Hard water – it is a water that when mixed with soap solution, it does not form lather or
foam.

The hardness of water is determined primarily by the amount of calcium and magnesium it
contains. Higher levels of these and other minerals make water hard. Water softening systems
work by reducing the concentrations of minerals from the water. Instead of having higher levels
of calcium and magnesium, soft water tends to have higher concentrations of sodium, or salt.
Water Treatment
To make the water suitable for a certain application or returning it to natural state, water
treatment is applied. The required treatment for water is depend on its application. Water is a
renewable resource. All water treatments involve the removal of solids, bacteria, algae, plants,
inorganic compounds, and organic compounds. Removal of solids is usually done by filtration and
sediment. Bacteria digestion is an important process to remove harmful pollutants.

 Coagulation and Flocculation

- It is often the first steps in water treatment. Chemicals with a positive charge
are added to the water. The positive charge of these chemicals neutralizes the
negative charge of dirt and other dissolved particles in the water. When this
occurs, the particles bind with the chemicals and form larger particles, called
floc.

 Sedimentation
- During sedimentation, floc settles to the bottom of the water supply, due to its
weight. This settling process is called sedimentation.

 Filtration
- Once the floc has settled to the bottom of the water supply, the clear water on
top will pass through filters of varying compositions (sand, gravel, and
charcoal) and pore sizes, in order to remove dissolved particles, such as dust,
parasites, bacteria, viruses, and chemicals.

 Disinfection
- After the water has been filtered, a disinfectant (chlorine, chloramine) may be
added in order to kill any remaining parasites, bacteria, and viruses, and to
protect the water from germs when it is piped to homes and businesses.