Water SystemsThe Water Treatment Process

For Starters ...

Watch the Peel Water Treatment Tours› Water Treatment Plant Tours

Complete the reading on Peel’s Water Treatment Process.› Create 2 ‘closed-ended’ questions and 1

‘open-ended’ question regarding the reading. Answer them as well.

› Once completed, you will be testing partners with your questions.

Vocabulary

Based on the Peel Water Treatment videos and reading, attempt to match up the terms/processes and definitions.

Activity will be answered as we go through the extravagant process!

Making Water Drinkable

We usually get our drinking water from wells, lakes (Lake Ontario), or rivers.

In nature, water often contains impurities and toxins.

How is fresh water made for safe drinking?

The Water Treatment Process The are 6 phases in the water treatment process:1. Intake2. Coagulation &

Flocculation3. Sedimentation4. Filtration5. Disinfection6. Storage

Intake The first step is to remove large objects from the

water and from entering the treatment plant.

A metal screen covers the end of a pipe that draws water from its source.

Coagulation & FlocculationCoagulation: In a large tank, the process of rapid mixing of alum (a

chemical) and water pushes large suspended particles to the bottom of the tank for removal.

Flocculation: In a large tank, the process of slow mixing that causes the

remaining particles (floc) to join and sink to the bottom of the tanks for removal.

Sedimentation A settling tank where the water flows

slowly to allow the floc to settle to the bottom of the tank.

The clear water moves to filtration.

Filtration Partially cleaned water moves through a sand

and charcoal filter.

This removes any remaining waste solids and small pieces of floc.

The water is now clear, colourless, and odourless.

Disinfection The water may still contain micro-

organisms, such as bacteria.

Chlorine is added to kill any micro-organisms.

Storage The treated water can then be stored

in sealed containers, ready for use.

Independent Task

To further your understanding, read pages 20-22 in Nelson Perspectives and answer the “Check You Understanding” questions.

Nelson: Making Water Drinkable (10.5)

The Water Treatment Process

Lab – Water Filtration Challenge

Read and review the lab as a class, and note the different steps in the challenge

Videos Water Filtration Experiment

(w/ Sedimentation Process)

Filtration Device Example

Filtration Device Example