The purpose of a water treatment plant in simple terms is to purify wastewater to a safe level. Wastewater that has been run through a water treatment plant can be safely released into the environment. When this treated water mixes in with the water in rivers and canals, it doesn’t decrease the water quality.
What are the functions of a water treatment plant?
Mar 27, 2019 · A water treatment plant puts natural processes to work to remove harmful or unhealthy materials to make water safe to use and drink. Water treatment plants also treat wastewater — the water that goes down the drains, so that it can be reused or returned to the natural water cycle, without harming the environment.
What is the purpose of a water treatment plant?
Treatment plants use processes like filtration, sedimentation, reverse osmosis, etc to perfectly purify the water. Water treatment plants can be used by municipalities to cleanse sewage. Industries that produce toxic and chemical wastewater also have to equip themselves with water treatment plants.
What are the functions of a waste water treatment plant?
The purpose of a water treatment plant in simple terms is to purify wastewater to a safe level. Wastewater that has been run through a water treatment plant can be safely released into the environment. When this treated water mixes in with the water in rivers and canals, it doesn’t decrease the water quality. In industries, the purpose of a water treatment plant is to remove …
What are the steps of a water treatment plant?
Sep 29, 2019 · We’ll be focusing in on drinking water plants here, but if you’d like to learn about how wastewater is treated, you can watch a video on the topic here. Both types of treatment plants serve the purpose of cleaning water, but in general, wastewater treatment plants will output water, or effluent, into streams or rivers and drinking water plants, or potable water treatment …
2. Pre-Sedimentation
If the filtered water is cloudy, pipes divert it to pre-sedimentation basins. Spending time here allows organic materials, sand, and silt to sink to the bottom. Hopper bottoms and continuous mechanical sludge removal devices are additions to the basins that speed up the process.
3. Coagulation
Even if the water appears relatively clear and free from large pieces of organic material, looking at a drop under a microscope would probably reveal a world of floating particles and microorganisms. To remove the tiny floaters and swimmers, technicians add chemicals such as aluminum and iron compounds that make them coagulate into small clumps.
4. Flocculation
Flocculation is similar to coagulation but with more dramatic results. In this step, turbines or paddles stir the water for 20 to 30 minutes to increase the frequency with which the smaller pieces bump into each other. This slow agitation causes clumped particles to form larger pieces called flocs.
5. Sedimentation
The flocculated water then rests in a sedimentation basin for 2 to 4 hours. During this time, the flocs gradually sink to the bottom, leaving behind water free from particulate matter. To ensure the sedimentation process removed all impurities, the product flows through a deep layer of sand or anthracite on its way to the final step.
6. Disinfection
The deadliest pathogens in drinking water are invisible to the naked eye. For this reason, the final step is to kill any microorganisms remaining in the otherwise clean drinking water by the addition of disinfectant chemicals. Chlorine is a common substance many plants use, but some also use ozone, chlorine dioxide, or chloramines.
What are the resources used in water treatment?
The local water treatment plants usually rely on natural resources for procuring water, however; that is not always the case. The resources include river, dam, and well. The water that is obtained from these sources is treated thus making it safe for humans to consume at a mass level.
What are the three approaches to water treatment?
There are three approaches that can be employed; chlorination, ozone treatment, and ultraviolet treatment . These approaches can be used either individually or in combination. Once all of these steps are completed, water is pumped out to be used by the population. Check out the video below to learn more about water treatment.
What is the process of removing particles from water?
The process is not simple and begins with coagulation and flocculation. This particular process is responsible for removing all of the natural particles that accompany water from the actual water source. Coagulants, when added to the water, can make the debris stick together. An example of a typical coagulant is aluminum sulfites ...
What are some examples of coagulants?
An example of a typical coagulant is aluminum sulfites that possess a charge opposite to that of the suspended solids. As you all know, opposite charges attract; coagulant and suspended solids become attached to one another. These coagulants are introduced in the water when it enters the treatment plant.
Does filtration remove bacteria?
However, filtration helps remove the bacteria as well. Most of the water treatment plants make use of a sand filter. The sand filter is low-tech but is a very efficient way of carrying out water purification. Once the water reaches the filtration phase, it is made to pass through differing coarseness of sand.
What is a sand filter?
Most of the water treatment plants make use of a sand filter. The sand filter is low-tech but is a very efficient way of carrying out water purification. Once the water reaches the filtration phase, it is made to pass through differing coarseness of sand.
What attracts opposite charges?
As you all know, opposite charges attract; coagulant and suspended solids become attached to one another. These coagulants are introduced in the water when it enters the treatment plant. The water is then passed through flocculation basins where slow mixing takes place.
Is primary treatment sufficient to release clean water back into nature?
As it was proven, primary treatment isn’t sufficient to release clean water back into nature, as this stage only cleans the inorganic elements. The water is still filled with organic residues and lots of bacteria. This is why modern wastewater treatment facilities use a second treatment stage, which includes the following steps:
Who is Tobey from P2RX?
Tobey is the editor-in-chief at P2Rx™, his experience both in the field of journalism and a keen interest in the topic of pollution, a subject he previously covered in his career in multiple pieces, making him the expert of our team. What Tobey learned from his background is that researching each topic thoroughly is the only guarantee that an article will depict a truthful picture, a policy that he strictly follows. In his off time, he indulges in reading modern literature and binging on the latest TV shows.
How to operate a water treatment plant?
Water treatment plant operators typically do the following: 1 Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect water or other liquids 2 Inspect equipment on a regular basis 3 Monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges 4 Collect and test water and sewage samples 5 Record meter and gauge readings, and operational data 6 Operate equipment to purify and clarify water, or to process or dispose of sewage 7 Clean and maintain equipment, tanks, filter beds, and other work areas 8 Stay current on environmental laws and regulations 9 Ensure safety standards are met
Where does used water go?
Used water, also known as wastewater, travels through sewage pipes to treatment plants where it is treated and either returned to streams, rivers, and oceans, or used for irrigation. Are you suited to be a water treatment plant operator? Water treatment plant operators have distinct personalities. They tend to be realistic individuals, which means ...
What is the role of a plant operator?
In a small plant, one operator may be responsible for maintaining all of the systems. In large plants, multiple operators work the same shifts and are more specialized in their duties, often relying on computerized systems to help them monitor plant processes. Occasionally, operators must work during emergencies.
What is wastewater operator?
Operators are trained in emergency management procedures and use safety equipment to protect their health, as well as that of the public. Wastewater treatment plant and system operators do similar work to remove pollutants from domestic and industrial waste. Used water, also known as wastewater, travels through sewage pipes to treatment plants ...
What chemicals are used to disinfect water?
Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect water or other liquids. Inspect equipment on a regular basis. Monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges. Collect and test water and sewage samples. Record meter and gauge readings, and operational data.
How many hours a day do plants operate?
As a result, workers experience an occupational injury and illness rate that is much higher than the average for all occupations. Plants operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In small plants, operators are likely to work during the day and be on call nights and weekends.
Why do operators have to pay close attention to safety procedures?
They must pay close attention to safety procedures because of hazardous conditions, such as slippery walkways, dangerous gases, and malfunctioning equipment.
Pre-Sedimentation
Coagulation
- Even if the water appears relatively clear and free from large pieces of organic material, looking at a drop under a microscope would probably reveal a world of floating particles and microorganisms. To remove the tiny floaters and swimmers, technicians add chemicals such as aluminum and iron compounds that make them coagulate into small clumps.
Flocculation
- Flocculation is similar to coagulation but with more dramatic results. In this step, turbines or paddles stir the water for 20 to 30 minutes to increase the frequency with which the smaller pieces bump into each other. This slow agitation causes clumped particles to form larger pieces called flocs. Water treatment engineers also begin adjusting the water’s acidity level and taste w…
Sedimentation
- The flocculated water then rests in a sedimentation basin for 2 to 4 hours. During this time, the flocs gradually sink to the bottom, leaving behind water free from particulate matter. To ensure the sedimentation process removed all impurities, the product flows through a deep layer of sand or anthracite on its way to the final step.
Disinfection
- The deadliest pathogens in drinking water are invisible to the naked eye. For this reason, the final step is to kill any microorganisms remaining in the otherwise clean drinking water by the addition of disinfectant chemicals. Chlorine is a common substance many plants use, but some also use ozone, chlorine dioxide, or chloramines.