Purification Process (Water)

The sequence of steps taken, beginning with unpurified water, which results in purified water delivered through a water system to the ultimate consumer. This sequence would normally include most or all of the following:

1. Begin with unpurified water;
2. Screening – removal of leaves, sticks and large foreign material;
3. Pre-Chlorination – removal of disease organisms, bad taste, and odors;
4. Pre-Settling – settling out large dirt particles;
5. Flash Mix – a process in which chemicals are added to cause fine dirt to clump together;
6. Coagulation/Flocculation – a process in which flash mix particles are gathered and made even larger;
7. Sedimentation – a process in which gravity is used to settle out the large particles formed in coagulation/flocculation;
8. Filtration – removal of any remaining particles; water is at least 99 percent particle-free at this point in the process;
9. Final Chlorination – removal of any remaining disease organisms and adds necessary chlorine to prevent microbe regrowth in the distribution system;
10. Corrosion Control – a step in which chemicals are added to neutralize the corrosive effects of “soft” water systems, thereby preventing damage to plumbing and fixtures;
11. Finally, effluent pumps send the purified water to residential, commercial, and industrial establishments.

Purify (Water) — To rid water of impurities or pollution. See Purification Process (Water).