What is the primary purpose of the coagulation process in drinking water treatment?

The primary purpose of the coagulation process in drinking water treatment is to remove impurities by causing particles to clump together. Coagulation involves adding chemicals known as coagulants to water, which help to destabilize colloidal particles and facilitate their aggregation into larger clumps, or flocs. This process is essential because it improves the efficiency of subsequent treatment steps, such as sedimentation and filtration, by increasing the size and weight of the particles, making them easier to remove from the water.

Once the particles have coagulated and formed larger aggregates, they can settle more effectively in sedimentation tanks, or be easily captured by filters, ensuring that the treated water is clearer and contains fewer contaminants. This step is vital in providing safe drinking water, as it helps to reduce turbidity and prepare the water for disinfection processes that will eliminate any remaining pathogens.