Water Treatment Flashcards - Washington State

Flashcards about water treatment

Water Treatment

The purpose of a water treatment plant is to remove contaminants from water to make it safe for consumption.

Wastewater Treatment

The primary stages of wastewater treatment are Screening, primary treatment, secondary treatment, and disinfection.

BOD

Biochemical Oxygen Demand—a measure of organic pollution.

Potable vs. Non-Potable Water

Potable water is safe for drinking, while non-potable water is not.

Chlorine Use

Chlorine is used to disinfect water and kill harmful pathogens.

Clarifier

The main function of a clarifier in wastewater treatment is to remove suspended solids from water before further treatment.

Water Pollution Sources

Common sources of water pollution are Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage.

Turbidity

Turbidity measures the clarity of water based on suspended particles.

Activated Sludge

The purpose of activated sludge in wastewater treatment is to promote bacterial decomposition of organic waste.

Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis filters contaminants through a semi-permeable membrane to produce clean water.

Septic System

A septic system treats and disposes of household wastewater in areas without centralized sewage systems.

Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Treatment

Aerobic treatment uses oxygen to break down waste, while anaerobic treatment does not.

Drinking Water Distribution System

The main components of a drinking water distribution system are Pipelines, storage tanks, and pumps.

pH Balance

pH balance is important in water treatment because it affects chemical reactions and water safety.

Coagulants

Coagulants help particles clump together for easier removal in water treatment.