What process comes before flocculation in water treatment?

Coagulation is the process that occurs before flocculation in water treatment. During coagulation, chemical coagulants are added to the water to destabilize suspended particles. This destabilization leads to the agglomeration of these particles, forming larger aggregates known as flocs. Once coagulation has effectively taken place and the flocs have formed, the subsequent step is flocculation, where gentle mixing encourages the growth and settling of these flocs.

This preparation is crucial because successful flocculation relies on the prior removal of the charges that keep particles in suspension, allowing them to bind together more effectively. Coagulation and flocculation thus work hand in hand to improve water quality before it undergoes further treatment steps, such as filtration and disinfection.