What is the primary purpose of filtration in water treatment?

The primary purpose of filtration in water treatment is to remove suspended matter from the water. This process is essential for enhancing the overall quality of water by targeting particles such as sediment, algae, and other impurities that can cloud water and cause various problems, including taste and odor issues, as well as potentially harmful effects on public health.

Filtration typically involves passing water through various media, such as sand, gravel, or more advanced materials, which physically capture these suspended particles while allowing clean water to flow through. This step is crucial in ensuring that subsequent treatment processes, such as disinfection, can be more effective, as it minimizes the number of contaminants that might otherwise shield pathogens from disinfectants.

While the removal of dissolved solids is part of the water treatment process, it is primarily achieved through other methods such as reverse osmosis or chemical coagulation rather than filtration. Additionally, increasing water temperature and reducing chemical usage are not direct goals of the filtration process; rather, they can be consequences of other operational adjustments within a water treatment facility.