Purification is the process that makes water suitable for consumption.
Potabilization is a notion that is not part of the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) . However, the verb make drinkable does appear, which is the action of making water drinkable (that is, suitable for human consumption).
Therefore, the process that allows water to be drunk by humans without posing a risk to their health is known as purification . There are a large number of techniques for the development of purification: the use of ultraviolet rays, the incorporation of chlorine, the desalination of ocean water, etc.
The type of purification chosen usually depends on the natural conditions of the territory. Typically, treatment stations are installed near the water source, where the treatment is carried out.
Elements used in purification
In general terms, we can say that purification is based on the existence of these elements:
- Intake from the river , which is the place where the water to be made drinkable is collected. As a general rule, a fence is placed to prevent both fish and tree branches from filtering through.
- Sandblaster . The function of this object is to ensure that the river sand remains sedimented and thus cannot reach the water treatment pumps since it could damage them and prevent them from performing their work correctly.
- Low pressure pumps , which take water directly from the river and transport it to what is known as the mixing chamber .
- Mixing chamber , where the water begins to mix with components that will make it drinkable. These range from alkalizing agents to coagulants .
- Decanter . This device's mission is to ensure that when the water arrives, harmful sediments and impurities remain lodged at the bottom.
- Filter to "strain" the water.
- Chlorine . To completely certify that the water is ready for consumption after having been in the aforementioned chamber, chlorine is added to kill any type of bacteria it may have.
- Likewise, do not forget about the high pressure pump or the reserve tank .
Working on purification is essential to take care of public health.
Purpose of the process
Purification consists of removing substances such as zinc, chromium and lead from water, which are toxic to people. Viruses and bacteria that may be present in the water must also be killed.
To confirm that the purification has been successful (and that the water is therefore now drinkable), there are various scientific analyzes that can be carried out. In general terms, it can be said that drinking water should have no taste , color or odor . Drinking water , therefore, is tasteless, colorless and odorless.
It should be noted that purification is essential for public health . Many diseases arise from the consumption of contaminated water, which causes various health disorders.
We cannot fail to mention that, sometimes, two terms are often confused: purification and purification . But they have nothing to do with it, since the last process really consists of treating wastewater from towns and cities, with the clear objective of reusing it or ensuring that it does not pollute seas or rivers.