What is the process of sedimentation in water treatment?

The process of sedimentation in water treatment is fundamentally about allowing suspended particles to settle out of the water column due to the force of gravity. In this process, water is held still in a sedimentation basin or tank, which allows heavier particles, like silt, sand, and organic matter, to gradually sink to the bottom. This is a vital step in the water treatment process because it helps to clarify the water by removing solids, making subsequent treatment steps like filtration more effective.

This natural settling process typically occurs after coagulants may have been added to the water to help bind smaller particles together into larger aggregates, or flocs, that can settle more easily. The removal of these solids is crucial for improving water quality and is typically one of the first steps in a water treatment facility before more advanced treatment methods are applied.