Water Treatment

Processes
Water Treatment

 The treatment given to the water to bring the quality of water to the
required standard before supplying it to the public
 The amount of treatment depends upon the quality of available water
and qualities required for different purposes.
Objectives of Treatment

 The objectives of water treatment are:

1. To remove dissolved gases, colour, taste and odour.
2. To remove harmful pathogenic bacterias.
3. To completely remove corrosive properties of water
4. To make water fit for drinking and industrial use
Location of Treatment Plants

 If the source of water is river or reservoir, the treatment plant shall be

located near the source to avoid pumping of muddy water which may
cause wearing of pipes
 If the source is underground like tube well, the treatment plant should
be located in the central part of the town, so that the water may
reach the public as early as possible and also the water head at the
farthest point will be more.
Lay out of Water Treatment Plant

 The order of various treatment plants is given below:

1. Intake works i.e., pumping units
2. Plain sedimentation
3. Sedimentation with coagulation
4. Filtration
5. Disinfection
6. Clear water reservoir (C.W.R)
7. Pumping sets to feed service reservoir through rising main.
8. Service reservoir (Underground or Elevated)
 Treatment Method
S. No. Method of Treatment
1 Screening
2 Plain Sedimentation
3 Sedimentation with co-
agulation
4 Filtration
5 Aeration and chemical
treatment
6 Disinfection
Purpose
To remove floating matter
To remove suspended impurities
(sand, silt, clay)
To remove fine suspended matter
To remove micro organism
To remove dissolved gases, taste
and odour
To remove bacteria
Screening

 Screening is the process in which large sized particles such as branches

of trees, bushes, dead animals are removed from water to be treated.
Sedimentation

 Sedimentation is the process of removal of suspended particles by

gravitational settling. It occurs when particles are heavier than water.
This process takes place in a tank, known as sedimentation tank or
settling tank.
Type of Sedimentation

 Sedimentation can be classified into two types:

1. Plain Sedimentation
2. Sedimentation added with coagulation.
Plain Sedimentation

 When the impurities are separated from suspending fluid by gravitation and
natural aggregation, the operation is called plain sedimentation.
Advantages of Plain Sedimentation
1. It is a preliminary process which lightens the load on subsequent processes.
2. It gives less variable quality of water and so the operation of subsequent
purification process is done in a better way.
3. Cleaning cost of chemical coagulating basins is reduced.
4. No chemical is lost with the sludge discharged from the plain settling tanks
5. Less quantity of chemicals are needed in the subsequent treatment
processes
Types of Sedimentation Tanks

 Intermittent Tank – These are simple settling basins which store water
for a certain period and bring it in complete rest. After 24 hours, during
which the suspended particles settle down to the bottom of the tank and
clear water is drawn off.
 Continuous Flow Type Tank- In this sedimentation tank, the flow
velocity is only reduced and the water is not brought to complete rest.
The water enters from one end and comes out from the other end. The
velocity is reduced by providing large length of travel. The velocity is so
adjusted that the time required by the particle to travel from one end to
another is slightly more than the time required for settlement of that
particle.
Sedimentation with Coagulation

 The process of adding certain chemicals to water in order to form floc

(insoluble gelatinous substance) for quick sedimentation and raid
removal of fine particles is called sedimentation with coagulation.
 Flocculation – the process by which the insoluble gelatinous substance
obtained by adding chemicals to water (floc)
Common Coagulants

 Aluminum Sulfate called Alum

The average dose is about 17 mg/I. Alum for water works:
1. Produces crystal clear water
2. Gives better floc formation
3. promotes better settling and longer filter runs.
4. Aids in reduction of tastes and odours.
5. Has no chlorine demand
6. Is a low cost coagulant
7. Is superior in tests against other coagulants
8. Is high in quality
Difficulties with Alum

 Slight increase in sulfate hardness

 An increase in carbon dioxide
 Formation of a colloidal precipitate in the presence of sodium or
potassium.
Common Coagulants

 Iron salts
1. Ferrous Sulfate
2. Ferric Chloride
3. Ferric Sulfate
Common Coagulants

 Chlorinated Copperas
- it is a mixture of ferric sulfate and ferric chloride by adding chlorine to a
solution of ferrous sulphate.
- is salt is highly corrosive. It produces a desirable floc formation with
tough floc particles. The coagulating effect has a wide range of optimum
pH from 8 or 9 to 6 and is more effective in colour removal.
Common Coagulants

 Sodium Aluminate
- it is an alkaline compound. Its advantages are:
1. The elimination of corrosive qualities of water
2. A wide range of pH
3. Quick flocculation
4. No need of the addition of alkali
Dosing

 The process of adding of the coagulants in correct amounts is known

dosing.
Factors in dosage of coagulants:
 Turbidity of Water – the greater the turbidity of water, more coagulant is
required.
 Colour
 pH value - The control of pH value is important from the point of the view of
maintaining the character of the flocs.
 Temperature of Water – The amount of coagulant increases with lower
temperatures because of slower reaction of clock formation.
 Time of Settlement – The dose also increases with less time of settlement.
Feeding Devices For Adding
Chemicals
 Coagulants can be fed raw water in two forms:
1. Wet form
2. Dry powder form
Feeding Devices For Adding
Chemicals
 Solution Feed Devices
The chemicals whose solutions can be prepared easily are suitable
for feeding by this method. The solution of required strength of coagulant is
prepared and stored in a tank, from which it is allowed to trickle down into
the mixing tank through and outlet. The level of coagulant solution in the
coagulant feeding tank is maintained constant. Based on the method of
control of coagulant feeding into the raw water the solution feed devices
are of two types:
 Conical Plug and Float Device
 Adjustable Weir Type Device
Feeding Devices For Adding
Chemicals
 Dry Feed Device
- are mainly common due to simplicity, relatively small space
required, neatness and freedom from corrosion.
Mixing Device

 After adding coagulants in water, the next step is to mix he coagulants

thoroughly in water so that it gets fully dispersed in the whole water.
This mixing is done by means of mixing devices.
Two types of Mixing Device
1. Baffle Type Basins
2. Mechanically Agitated Mixing Basins
Flocculator

 When the thorough mixing of coagulants in the water is over, the next
operation is flocculation. The device by means of which floc is formed is
called flocculator and the phenomena is termed as flocculation.
Advantages of Mechanical Mixing
Devices Over the Baffle Type Basins
 As much as 40% reduction in the amounts of coagulant due to through
mixing,
 Negligible loss of head against 60 cms. in the case of baffle-type basin
 Greater flexibility of operation
 Lower cost of installation
Disadvantages of Mechanical
Flocculators
 Dead spaces in corners
 Low velocity near the shaft of paddles
 Bad short circuiting
 Requires careful supervision and maintenance
Limitation of the Coagulation Process

 It removes the suspended impurities of water and thereby reduces the

sediment load on next process called filtration
 Normally it reduces the turbidity of water to 20 p.p.m. and if the is
properly controlled then the turbidity reduces 5-10 p.p.m.
 The floc formed in this process also removes bacteria up to 65%.
 B-Coli Index is removed by 70%.
Filtration

 The process of passing the water through a thick layer of sand and
gravel which acts as a strainer
Theory of Filtration

 The phenomena of which filtration process removes bacteria, colour,

taste, odour, iron, manganese, and make water sparkling involves the
following five different actions:
1. Mechanical Straining
2. Sedimentation
3. Absorption
4. Biological Activity
5. Electrolyte Action
Sand for Filtration

 The sand used as filter-media should confirm the following properties:

1. It should be free from foreign material like clay, loam, lime and organic
matter, etc. It should be hard and resistant to atmospheric actions. If placed
in hydrochloric acid for 24 hours, it should not lose more than 5%.
2. Effected size of sand. The size of sand should neither be very fine nor very
coarse because the former is clogged very quickly and the latter does not
retain suspended particles and bacteria.
3. Uniformity of Sand. Sand with an effective size lying between 0.30 and
0.55 and having uniformity co-efficient between 1.30 and 1.75 is used.
4. Depth of Sand. The depth of sand should be between 60 cm. to 90 am.
5. Grading of Sand Bed. The sand bed consists of graded sand in various
layers (a.) For slow sand filters, (b)For rapid sand filters
Gravel For Filter Media

 Functions of Gravel bed:

1. It supports the sand and allows the filtered water to flow freely towards the
under-drains
2. It also allows the wash water to move upward uniformly on the sand.
Layers Thickness of Layer in mm Size of Gravel in mm
1st 5-8 2.4-4.75
2nd 5-8 4.75-12.75
3rd 7-13 12.75-19.00
4th 7-13 19.00-38.00
5th 13-20 38.00-63.00
Classification of Filters

 Filters may be divided into main classes:

1. Gravity Filters
(a) Slow Sand Filter
(b) Rapid Sand Filters
2. Pressure Filters
Slow Sand Filters

 These were first devised in England in 1829 by Mr. James Simson.

Functions of Slow Sand Filters

 The suspended and settleable particles which have not been removed by
sedimentation, are removed by this filter.
 The slow sand filter removes bacteria, to an extent of 98 to 99%, from the
water having turbidity less than 50 ppm.
 The slow sand filters also remove odours, and tastes to a certain extent.
Rapid Gravity Sand Filter

 The filtering media used in this type of filter is of a coarser variety and
the operation heads are also higher so that the rates of loading can be
about 30 times of those used in slow sand filters.
Function of Rapid Sand Filter
1. It removes color and odour completely from the settled water from cogulated
sedimentation tanks,
2. The suspended matter is removed by this filter.
3. The colloidal impurities are removed if coagulation with chemical is done by
filtration.
4. The pathogenic bacterias are not completely removed by this filter alone but
if pre-chlorination is done, then bacterial load is completely removed.
Function of Rapid Sand Filter

i. It removes color and odor completely from the settled water from
coagulated sedimentation tanks.
ii. The suspended matter is removed by this filter.
iii. The colloidad impurities are removed if coagulation with chemical
is done before filtration.
iv. The pathogenic bacterias are not completely removed by this filter
alone but if pre- chloration is done, then bacterial load is
completely removed.
Features of a Rapid Sand Filter
i. Rate of filtration; 1200 to 2250 M. lit/ ha/ day or 100 lit/ m2/
mt
ii. Size of one unit: (1/250 ha to 1/500 ha)
iii. Depth of filter media (a) sand- 600- 750mm (b) gravel- 450-
600mm
iv. Effective size of sand: 0.45 to 0.8 mm.
v. Loss of head – 0.3 m initial to 2.1 m final
vi. Length of run between cleanings 24-60 hours
vii.Amount of wash water used in cleaning: 1 to 4% of filtered
water
Essential Parts of Construction
a. Filter Unit: The filter units are smaller in size and are placed under a roof in a building so
that the costly mechanical equipment does not get damaged due to weather action and
there is also less of algae troubles.
b. Filter Media Sand: The filter media used is 60cm to 75cm deep consisting of hard, insert
and tough sand but of coarser variety and uniform size. The coarser sand allows higher
ratio of filter and deeper penetration of the impurities by water but cannot effectively
arrest the bacteria so that the efficiency of bacteria removal is lowered down to 95%.
c. Gravel: The gravel is laid in it 5 layers above the under drains and below the filtering
media to, (i) support the sand and prevent it from entering into drains and thus not allow
them to choke, (ii) Help in uniform distribution of wash water up through the filter tank.
d. The Under Drainage System: The function of under- drains is to:
i. Collect the filtered water percolating down through the sand and gravel layers.
ii. Distribute upwards the wash water uniformly underneath the gravel
Various Types of Under Drainage Systems
a. Perforated- pipe under- drains or the manifold
and lateral pipe system.
b. Vitrified clay tile block design
c. Wheeler under- drainage system
d. Porous plate bottoms
e. Concrete ridge and valley bottoms
 Operation of Rapid Sand Filter

a. How the Filter works:

i. In the beginning keep all the valves closed.
ii. Open the valve (1) to allow coagulated and settled water to flow to the filter.
iii. Open the valve (2). This allows water filtered through the sand, gravel and
under- drains to flow into the clear water storage.
Pressure Filters
A pressure filter is a small rapid gravity
sand filter placed in a closed cylindrical vessel
and through which the water to be treated
is passed under pressure.
The pressure filters are classified as:
i. Vertical pressure filters
ii. Horizontal pressure filters
These filters are not used because:
a. The overall plant capacity is small.
b. They cannot reliably remove the bacteria and are in efficient to remove
the turbidity.
c. They are costly.
The other disadvantages are:
d. The filter operation cannot be seen and inspected as they continue to
closed vessel.
e. It is difficult to inspect, clean and replace the sand, gravel and under
drains.
f. Because of shape no wash water gutter can be provided.
g. The operation of these filters being under pressure, it requires pumping
of water at excessive rate.
Example:
Design slow sand filters for a town of 30,000 population, the average daily demand being 135
litres/ head/ day. The maximum demand may be taken as 1.5 times the average.
Solution:
Max. demand per day
=30000 x 135 x 1.5
=6075000 litres
Assuming the rate of filtration as 35 million litres per hectare per day, the required area in
sq.metres
=6075000/35000000 x 1002 = 1735.7 m2
This is a large area which cannot be provided by one filter only. If 3 beds are assumed each will
have an area about 600m2. Sustainable size shall be 30m x 20m, giving this area. Adding one more
filter as spare for cleaning purposes and breakdowns, total number will be 4.
Disinfection
The treatment of water with chemicals to kill bacteria is called disinfection.

Necessity of Disinfection
Necessity in the water treatment processes like sedimentation,
coagulation, filtration, etc., considered so far, all the bacteria from the water
cannot be removed. Moreover there is every chance of getting the water
contaminated using its flow through the water distribution system especially
in case of intermittent supply, where the pipes remain empty for a
considerable period.
Requirements of Disinfectants
i. They should be able to destroy all the harmful pathogenic bacteria and
make the water perfectly safe for use.
ii. They should be economical and easily available.
iii. They should be able to kill all pathogenic germs within required time at
normal temperature.
iv. After their treatment the water should not become objectionable and
toxic to the customer
v. The disinfection dose should be such that, It may leave some residual
concentration for protection against contamination in the water.
Methods of Disinfection
a. By Heating or Boiling of Water
b. By Light
c. By Chemical Disinfectants

Chlorination
The process applying small quantities of chlorine or chlorine
compounds to water is called chlorination.
Application of chlorine
1. Dry Chlorine gas
2. Chlorine Solution
3. Powder form
Application of Gaseous Chlorine
Where water is to be treated in large quantity chlorine gas is used. Some bleaching
powders are unstable. They originally contain about one- third by weight of available
chlorine, this small proportion is very rapidly reduced during storage, particularly in damp
and warm climates. Hence accurate and precise treatment is essential.
Application of Liquid Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine is found more effective in disinfecting filtered water, if liquid chlorine is
applied at such point where adequate mixing is done. It can be applied to any pressure. The
rate of application of chlorine may be manually controlled or mechanically controlled at
various points.

Chlorination are of two types:

a. Solution feed
b. Direct feed
Special Method of Chlorination
Chlorine is generally applied after all other treatment have been
given to the water supply. The special methods of chlorination may be
as follows:
a. Post- chlorination
b. Plain chlorination
c. Prechlorination
d. Super- chlorination
e. Double- chlorination
Advantages of double chlorination
a. Greater removal of bacteria- higher bacterial efficiency
b. Decrease in the load in filters
c. More factor of safety due to maintenance of two chlorinating plants
d. Control of algae and slimy growths in coagulating basins and filters
Advantages of Break-point chlorination
e. It destroys all disease bacterias
f. It removes completely taste and odors from the water
g. It completely oxidizes impurities of water, ammonia etc
h. It helps in removing color of water which is due to organic matter
i. It also prevents weeds growth in water
Dechlorination: The process of removing excess chlorine from
water. It must be done in such a way that some residual chlorine
remains in water chlorinating agents or chemicals used are:
a. Potassium permanganate
b. Sodium bisulphate
c. Sodium thiosulphate
d. Sodium sulphite
e. Sulfur dioxide etc.
Aeration Fountain
Function: The function of an aeration fountain is to remove the tastes and
odor which are unpleasant and the dissolved gases other than oxygen and
nitrogen from raw water.
Methods of Aeration:
1. Exposing it to the atmosphere as an open aqueducts and reservoir
2. Flowing over cascades, weirs, steps, roughs etc.
3. Flowing through trickling devices such as coke beds and perforated trays
4. Spraying it through nozzles
5. Diffusing air through it
6. Aspiring air through the water
7. Mixing air and water under pressure to increase the solubility of the air.
Public Health Laboratory
A well equipped public health laboratory should be provided at the treatment plant for checking
the quality of raw water and treated water.
The following Physical, Chemical, and Biological tests are carried out in the laboratories of water
works:
1. Physical Tests
a. Temperature
b. Colour
c. Turbidity
d. Test and Odour
2. Chemical tests
a. Total, volatile and fixed soils
b. Hardness
c. Ph Value, acidity and alkalinity
d. Free- carbon- dioxide
e. Nitrogen
f. Chloride
g. Active chlorine

3. Biological Tests
a. Presence of members of B- coli group
b. Plate counts for bathing and swimming pool water
c. Microscopic organism and amorphous matter- their
examination and enumeration
Removal of Tastes and Odors
a. Aeration
b. Pre- chlorination
c. Using- chlorine oxide
d. The application of activated carbon
e. The application of potassium permanganate
f. Using copper sulfate
g. Applying ozone
h. By coagulation, sedimentation and filtration
Water softening process
i. Lime process
j. Lime and soda ash process
k. Base- exchange process