Civil Engineering: Water Treatment and Distribution

Surface water, such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, is the primary source of water for most public water systems.

Coagulation is a process that uses chemicals to cause suspended solids in water to clump together and form larger particles, which can then be removed by sedimentation or filtration.

Chlorine is a common disinfectant used in water treatment to kill bacteria and viruses.

A water distribution system is a network of pipes and other infrastructure used to distribute water from a treatment plant to consumers.

The maximum contaminant level (MCL) for lead in drinking water is 0.015 mg/L.

A water meter is a device that measures the amount of water used by a customer.

Ductile iron is the most common type of pipe used in water distribution systems.

A fire hydrant is a device that provides water for firefighting.

The maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total coliform bacteria in drinking water is 0.

A water treatment plant is a facility that removes contaminants from water to make it safe for drinking.

Conventional water treatment plants are the most common type of water treatment plant.

A sedimentation basin is a tank in which water is held for a period of time to allow suspended solids to settle out.

A filter is a device that removes suspended solids from water.

A disinfection process is a process that kills bacteria and viruses in water.

A water quality monitoring program is designed to ensure that drinking water meets regulatory standards, identify and address water quality problems, and educate the public about water quality.