What is sedimentation in the context of water treatment?

Sedimentation in the context of water treatment refers to the natural process where solid particles suspended in water settle out of the water column due to gravity. This occurs when water is still, allowing heavier particles, such as silt, clay, and other sediments, to settle to the bottom of a treatment basin or tank. The primary goal of sedimentation is to remove these particulate contaminants before further treatment, such as filtration or disinfection, takes place.

By allowing particles to settle, sedimentation effectively reduces the load on subsequent treatment processes, making them more efficient and prolonging the life of filters. This process is fundamental in various water treatment plants and systems, particularly in the preliminary stages of water treatment.