WATER SOURCES

RESIDENTIAL
INDUSTRIAL

COMMERCIAL

SCHEMATIC OF WATER DISTRIBUTION FROM THE SOURCES TO ITS USERS

Refering from the schematic diagram above we can see that the process of water distribution to its
consumers started from extracting raw water from its intended source like dams, rivers and
oceans.

The extracted water will then be carried to the water treatment plant by different modes of
transmission such as by pumping or any other means.

In the treatment plant , raw water will then undergo stages of treatment as follows: Coagulation
and flocculation, Sedimentation, filtration, aeration and chemical treatment. Water then undergoes
a series of laboratory testing called quality test to make sure that it is safe to be feed to the
consumers.

After it passed the qualitative test, it will be distributed to its consumers for using.

Process of Water Treatment

1. Coagulation and flocculation

Coagulation and flocculation are used to remove colour, turbidity, algae and other microorganisms
from surface waters. The addition of a chemical coagulant to the water causes the formation of a
precipitate, or floc, which entraps these impurities. Iron and aluminium can also be removed
under suitable conditions. The floc is separated from the treated water by sedimentation and/or
filtration, although flotation processes may be used in place of sedimentation.The most commonly
used coagulants are aluminium sulphate and ferric sulphate, although other coagulants are
available. Coagulants are dosed in solution at a rate determined by raw water quality near the
inlet of a mixing tank or flocculator. The coagulant is rapidly and thoroughly dispersed on dosing
by adding it at a point of high turbulence. The water is allowed to flocculate and then passes into
the sedimentation tank (sometimes known as a clarifier) to allow aggregation of the flocs, which
settle out to form sludge. This sludge will need to be periodically removed.The advantages of
coagulation are that it reduces the time required to settle out suspended solids and is very
effective in removing fine particles that are otherwise very difficult to remove. Coagulation can also
be effective in removing many protozoa, bacteria and viruses.The principal disadvantages of using
coagulants for treatment of small supplies are the cost and the need for accurate dosing, thorough
mixing and frequent monitoring. Coagulants need accurate dosing equipment to function efficiently
and the dose required depends on raw water quality that can vary rapidly. The efficiency of the
coagulation process depends on the raw water properties, the coagulant used and operational
factors including mixing conditions, temperature, coagulant dose rate and pH value. The choice of
coagulant and determination of optimum operating conditions for a specific raw water are normally
determined by bench scale coagulation tests.Thus, while coagulation and flocculation are the most
effective treatment for removal of colour and turbidity they may not be suitable for small water
supplies because of the level of control required and the need to dispose of significant volumes of
sludge.

2. Sedimentation

Simple sedimentation (i.e. unassisted by coagulation) may be used to reduce turbidity and solids
in suspension. Sedimentation tanks are designed to reduce the velocity of flow of water so as to
permit suspended solids to settle under gravity. There are many different designs of tanks and
selection is based on simple settlement tests or by experience of existing tanks treating similar
waters. Without the aid of coagulation, these will only remove large or heavy particles, and due to
the length of time this process will take, the system will usually require storage tanks to balance
peaks and troughs in demand.Sedimentation tanks are usually rectangular with length to width
ratios between 2:1 and 5:1. The depth of the tank is usually between 1.5 and 2.0m. The inlet and
outlet must be at opposite ends of the tank. The inlet should be designed to distribute the
incoming flow as evenly as possible across the tank width and to avoid streaming which would
otherwise reduce sedimentation efficiency. Baffles may be installed to prevent short circuiting. The
outlet should be designed to collect the clarified water over the entire tank width. The tank should
be covered to prevent contamination and ingress. Sedimentation tanks require cleaning when
performance deteriorates. This will not normally be more frequent than once per year.

3. Filtration

Turbidity and algae are removed from raw waters by screens, gravel filters, slow sand, rapid
gravity filters or cartridge filters. The difference between slow and rapid sand filtration is not a
simple matter of the speed of filtration, but in the underlying concept of the treatment process.
Slow sand filtration is essentially a biological process whereas rapid sand filtration is a physical
treatment process. Many small private water supplies will rely on cartridge filters consisting of a
woven or spun filter within a standard housing

4. Aeration

AerationAir stripping is used for removal of volatile organics (e.g. solvents), carbon dioxide,
disinfection by-products, some taste and odour causing compounds, and radon (Section 7.1). It is
a fairly specialist technique, and not commonly found as a treatment process on private water
supplies, although aeration can sometimes be found in the oxidation stage of the treatment
process for the removal of iron and manganese .

Aeration processes are designed to achieve efficient mass transfer of oxygen into water and
removal of gases and volatile compounds by air stripping. Oxygen transfer can usually be achieved
using a simple cascade or diffusion of air into water, without the need for elaborate equipment.
Stripping of gases or volatile compounds, however, may require specialised plant that provides a
high degree of mass transfer.For oxygen transfer, cascade or step aerators are designed so that
water flows in a thin film to achieve efficient mass transfer. Cascade aeration may introduce a
significant headloss; design requirements are between 1.0 and 3.0m to provide a loading of 10 to
30m3/m2.h. If such headloss is unacceptable the alternative is to use compressed air diffused
through a system of submerged perforated pipes. These types of aerator are used for oxidation and
precipitation of iron and manganese.To achieve air stripping various techniques can be used
including counter current cascade aeration in packed towers, diffused aeration in basins and spray
aeration. Packed tower aerators are most commonly used because of their high energy efficiency
and compact design.

5. Chemical treatment and disinfection

In this process, chemicals are being added to water to obtain the following desired results:

5.1. Adjustment of PH
The PH value of potable water should be from 6.5 to 8.5 according to World Health Organization
(WHO) standard.

5.2. Iron and Manganese removal

Both iron and manganese are readily apparent in drinking water supplies. Both impart a strong
metallic taste to the water and both cause staining. Water coming from wells and springs with
high iron and/or manganese may appear colorless initially but orange-brown (iron) or black
(manganese) stains or particles quickly appear as the water is exposed to oxygen.

Iron can also cause an orange or brown stain in sinks and in the laundry. Manganese often results
in a dense black stain or solid. For these reasons, it is recommended that drinking water have no
more than 0.3 mg/L (or 0.3 parts per million) of iron and less than 0.05 mg/L of manganese.

5.3. Taste and odour removal

Taste and odour can be removed by several methods, including aeration, ozonation and adsorption
on activated carbon. The method used will depend on the source of the taste and odour.
Adsorption on activated carbon is generally the most effective method for the removal of earthy or
mouldy taste and odour. Powdered activated carbon can be dosed directly to the water before
coagulation and then subsequently removed by sedimentation. Powdered activated carbon is
generally used as a one off treatment. Where regular treatment is required, granular activated
carbon (GAC) is the preferred solution and this may be used as a filter medium replacing sand in
existing filters or alternatively in a post-filtration adsorption stage. In this arrangement, GAC will
need to be periodically removed and regenerated, often by the manufacturer and typically once
every 12-24 months. When returned and reinstalled it will require washing and running to waste
before being returned to supply. This is to allow any contaminants and impurities to be washed
out. In this type of installation it is customary to have a system with several GAC beds so that one
can be taken out of service without impacting on overall water quality. In private water supplies,
the usual method is to use a replaceable GAC cartridge located within a standard cartridge filter
housing. This cartridge will be replaced at regular intervals.

5.4. Hardness Removal

Hard water is water that has high mineral content (in contrast with "soft water"). Hard water is
formed when water percolates through deposits of limestone, chalk or gypsum which are largely
made up of calcium and magnesium carbonates, bicarbonates and sulfates.

Hard drinking water may have moderate health benefits, but can pose critical problems in
industrial settings, where water hardness is monitored to avoid costly breakdowns in boilers,
cooling towers, and other equipment that handles water. In domestic settings, hard water is often
indicated by a lack of foam formation when soap is agitated in water, and by the formation of
limescale in kettles and water heaters. Wherever water hardness is a concern, water softening is
commonly used to reduce hard water's adverse effects.