What is the main purpose of presedimentation in water treatment?

The main purpose of presedimentation in water treatment is to reduce the silt in the water. This process involves allowing suspended solids, particularly larger particles such as silt and sediment, to settle out of the water before it undergoes further treatment processes like filtration or disinfection. By removing these particles early on, presedimentation helps improve the overall efficiency of the water treatment process, as it decreases the load on subsequent treatment steps and minimizes the risk of clogging filters. This results in clearer water, which is easier to treat and leads to higher quality drinking water.

In addition, a reduction in silt can also help to mitigate taste and odor issues, as well as reduce the presence of pathogens that may be associated with particulate matter. Overall, by focusing on reducing silt, presedimentation plays a crucial role in the successful treatment and purification of surface water.