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FILTRATION:
One of the oldest and simplest processes used to treat water is to pass it through a bed of
fine particles, usually sand. This process is called sand filtration. In its simplest form, the water is
simply passed through the filter with no other pre-treatment, such as the addition of a coagulant.
Usually this type of filter will remove fine suspended solids and also some other particles such as
larger microorganisms. Sand filtration is even more efficient when the water being treated passes
through the sand filter very slowly. Over time the sand particles become covered with a thin surface
layer of microorganisms. Some might refer to this layer as a slime but water scientists call it a
biofilm. Even very small particles stick to this biofilm and are held, while water of greatly
improved quality passes out through the filter.
DISINFECTION:
Disinfection is carried out to kill harmful microorganisms that may be present in the water
supply and to prevent microorganisms to grow again in the distribution systems. Good public
health owes a lot to the disinfection of water supplies. Without disinfection, waterborne disease
becomes a problem, causing high infant mortality rates and low life expectancy. This remains the
situation in some parts of the world.