Primary Water

Primary water treatment is essential to ensure that water from natural sources or collection systems is suitable for human and environmental use. These treatments take place in different stages and use a variety of techniques to remove contaminants and improve water quality.

Primary water treatment is a complex process requiring the integration of different techniques to ensure that water is safe and of high quality. Each treatment step plays a critical role in improving the purity of the water and protecting it from physical, chemical and biological contaminants.

With the increasing demand for clean water and growing concern for the environment, the effectiveness and efficiency of primary water treatment systems is more important than ever. Advanced technologies and methodologies continue to evolve, continuously improving the ability to provide safe and sustainable drinking water .

Thanks to many years of experience in the design and construction of water treatment plants and the quality of its technologies, Blue Water Technology is today among the reference companies for the installation of plants and machines for primary water treatment.

Primary water treatment: stages and techniques

Pre-treatment

• Grilling and sieving: this initial step is designed to remove large-sized materials such as twigs, leaves and plastic which could damage subsequent treatment equipment. Grates and sieves help to ensure that only the smallest particles reach the next stages of treatment.
• Softening: in some situations, the water may contain high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which can cause hardness problems. The softening treatment uses ion exchangers to reduce the concentration of these minerals.

Clotting and flocculation

• Coagulation: this phase involves the addition of coagulants, such as aluminium sulphate or ferric chloride, to destabilize the particles suspended in the water. These coagulants aggregate smaller particles into larger, heavier flocs.
• Flocculation: the water is then slowly stirred to promote the aggregation of flocs into even larger flocs. This process helps to remove suspended particles and impurities.

Sedimentation

During sedimentation, the treated water is left in tanks or reservoirs where the flocs settle on the bottom due to gravity. This process separates most of the solids from the water, which becomes progressively clearer.

Filtration

After settling, the water is further treated through filters, which may consist of materials such as sand, activated carbon or special resins. Filtration removes the smallest particles left in suspension and can also help reduce the chemical and odor content.

Disinfection

• Chlorination: the addition of chlorine is a common practice to eliminate pathogenic micro-organisms. Chlorine reacts with biological impurities and ensures that the water is free of harmful pathogens.
• Ultraviolet (UV): An alternative to chlorination is the use of ultraviolet light, which destroys pathogens without using chemicals. This method is particularly effective against bacteria and viruses.
• Ozone: is a powerful oxidant used to disinfect water and remove organic and inorganic contaminants. Although more expensive, ozone is very effective in water purification.

Stabilization and regulation of pH

After disinfection, the water can be treated to adjust the pH and add stabilizers to prevent pipe corrosion and improve water quality. The pH adjustment is crucial to ensure that the water is neither too acidic nor too alkaline.