REPORT

ON
WATER TREATMENT PLANT

BY- SUMIT KUMAR (10521428)

RAJ VIVEK ( 10521319)

ARYABHATTA
ASHOK VIHAR
CAMPUS DSEU

SUBMITTED TO – AKANKSHA MAM

INTRODUCTION
Water treatment plant also called as WTP.
Water treatment plants are essential facilities responsible for purifying raw
water from natural sources to produce clean, safe, and potable water for various
purposes. These plants are critical in safeguarding public health by removing
contaminants, pollutants, and impurities present in the raw water supply.
The primary goal of a water treatment plant is to transform raw water, sourced
from lakes, rivers, reservoirs, or groundwater, into high-quality drinking water.
The treatment process involves several stages, starting with the intake of raw
water. Initial steps typically include screening to remove large debris and
sedimentation to settle out particles.
Subsequent treatment phases involve processes like coagulation, flocculation,
sedimentation, and filtration. Coagulation and flocculation help aggregate fine
particles, which are then removed through sedimentation or filtration methods.
Biological processes may follow to further eliminate dissolved impurities and
pathogens.
Disinfection is a critical step in the process, involving methods such as
chlorination, ozonation, UV radiation, or other chemical disinfection
techniques to eradicate harmful microorganisms.
Water treatment plants adjust the treated water to meet regulatory standards and
enhance its quality by balancing pH levels, adding necessary minerals, and
sometimes fluoridating the water.
The treated water undergoes storage in reservoirs before distribution through a
network of pipes to consumers. Continuous monitoring and quality control
measures ensure that water quality remains high throughout the distribution
system.
Water treatment plants vary in size and design based on the population served
and specific treatment needs. Proper operation, maintenance, and adherence to
regulatory standards are crucial for ensuring the continuous supply of safe
drinking water.
In summary, water treatment plants play a vital role in providing clean and safe
drinking water by utilizing a series of treatment processes to remove impurities
and ensure water quality meets regulatory standards. These facilities are
essential for promoting public health and environmental sustainability.
1. RAW WATER
RAW WATER INTAKE
Water treatment plants utilize various sources of raw water to produce potable
water. These sources typically include:

1. Surface Water:
Rivers: Often a common source due to their accessibility and relatively higher
water flow.
Lakes and Reservoirs: Man-made or natural basins where water is stored before
treatment.
Ponds: Smaller bodies of surface water, sometimes used in specific regions or
for local supply.

2. Groundwater:
Wells: Dug or drilled to extract water from aquifers beneath the ground.
Aquifers: Natural underground layers of permeable rock or soil where water
accumulates.
3. Rainwater Harvesting:
Collection of rainwater from rooftops or other surfaces, often used in
conjunction with other sources, especially in areas with water scarcity.

4. Desalination:
In coastal regions, seawater is treated through desalination plants to remove
salts and impurities, providing an alternative freshwater source.

The choice of raw water source depends on geographical location, availability,

quality of water, and the treatment plant's capacity to process and purify the
incoming water effectively. Each source comes with its own set of challenges
and requires tailored treatment processes to ensure the production of safe and
clean drinking water.

PRE-TREATMENT SCREENING AND BARRIERS

Certainly, in a Water Treatment Plant (WTP), the screening and barrier
treatment processes play crucial roles in ensuring the quality of the water
entering the treatment system. Here’s a breakdown of these two steps:
1. Screening:
Purpose: Screening involves certainly, in a Water Treatment Plant (WTP), the
screening and barrier treatment processes play crucial roles in ensuring the
quality of the water entering the treatment system. Here's a breakdown of these
two steps:
The use of physical barriers to remove larger debris and particles from the raw
water. It prevents these materials from entering the treatment process, which
could otherwise damage equipment or interfere with subsequent treatment
stages.
Bar Screens: Positioned at the water intake point, these consist of bars or mesh
grids with specific gaps to allow water to pass through while trapping larger
objects like leaves, twigs, plastics, and debris. These screens prevent clogging
and damage to pumps and machinery further down the treatment line.
Microstrainers: Finer mesh screens or filters are employed to capture smaller
particulate matter, algae, and other microorganisms that may have passed
through the initial bar screens. Microstrainers remove finer impurities to ensure
cleaner water for subsequent treatment steps.
2. Barrier Treatment:
Purpose: Barrier treatments act as an additional step to remove or neutralize
certain contaminants and pathogens in the raw water before it enters the main
treatment process.
Pre-Chlorination: Some treatment plants employ pre-chlorination as an initial
disinfection step. Chlorine or chlorine-based compounds are added to the raw
water to kill or neutralize bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms present in
the water.
Other Pre-Treatment Processes: Depending on the source and quality of the raw
water, additional barrier treatments may include pre-oxidation, pre-filtration, or
other chemical treatments aimed at reducing the initial microbial load or
breaking down certain organic compounds.

These screening and barrier treatment steps act as the frontline defense in a
water treatment plant, ensuring that larger debris and certain contaminants are
removed or neutralized before the water proceeds to the main treatment
processes. This initial purification helps in maintaining the efficiency and
effectiveness of subsequent treatment stages, leading to the production of safe
and clean drinking water.

2. COAGULATION AND FLOCCULATION

Coagulation:
Chemicals Used: The primary chemicals used in coagulation are coagulants
such as aluminum sulfate (alum), ferric chloride, and polyaluminum chloride
(PAC). These chemicals neutralize the electrical charges of particles in the
water, causing them to come together and form larger, heavier particles called
flocs.

Mechanism: Coagulants neutralize the negatively charged particles (colloids)

present in the water. For instance, alum dissociates in water to form aluminum
ions. These ions react with water molecules to form positively charged
hydrolyzed aluminum species. These positively charged species neutralize the
negative charges on suspended particles, reducing their repulsion and allowing
them to come closer together.

Flocculation:
Chemicals Used: Polymers (organic flocculants) like polyacrylamide are
commonly used in the flocculation stage. They aid in forming larger flocs from
the smaller particles created during coagulation.
Mechanism: Flocculation involves gentle stirring or agitation of the water with
the addition of polymers. These polymers help in further clumping the smaller
particles together into larger and denser flocs. The flocs formed are large
enough to settle or be filtered out more easily in the subsequent filtration
process.

3. SEDIMENTATION
After coagulation and flocculation the flocs are easier to settle down, the
process in sedimentation involves:

Sedimentation Basin: The water with coagulated particles enters a

sedimentation basin or clarifier. This basin allows the water to remain
undisturbed for a certain period, typically several hours, allowing gravity to pull
the heavier flocs downwards.

Settlement: As the water remains still, gravity causes the flocs to settle at the
bottom of the basin, forming a layer of sediment, which is known as sludge.

Sludge Formation: The sludge consists of settled particles, organic matter,

and other impurities that have been removed from the water. This sludge layer
needs to be periodically removed to maintain the efficiency of the treatment
process.

Sludge Removal: There are various methods for sludge removal, such as
scraping mechanisms, sludge pumps, or suction systems. Once the sludge is
removed, it may undergo further treatment processes like dewatering (to reduce
moisture content) and disposal, often through methods like drying beds,
centrifugation, or incineration.

Clean Water Extraction: After sedimentation and sludge removal, the

clarified water is extracted from the top of the basin, which is significantly
cleaner compared to the initial water input.

Efficient sedimentation and sludge removal are critical for maintaining the
effectiveness of a WTP. Regular monitoring and maintenance of sedimentation
basins and sludge removal systems are necessary to ensure optimal water
treatment efficiency and quality
4. FILTRATION
Filtration is a key process in a Water Treatment Plant (WTP) that further
removes impurities from water after the sedimentation or clarification stage. It
involves passing the water through various media to trap remaining suspended
particles, microorganisms, and other contaminants. The process typically
includes several steps:

Rapid Gravity Filtration or Slow Sand Filtration: There are different types
of filtration methods used in WTPs. Rapid Gravity Filtration involves passing
water through a granular medium like sand, gravel, or anthracite coal at high
flow rates to remove impurities. Slow Sand Filtration, on the other hand, uses a
layer of sand as the filter medium and operates at slower flow rates, relying on
biological processes and a schmutzdecke (a biological layer) to remove
impurities.

Multimedia Filtration: Some advanced WTPs utilize multimedia filtration

systems, which consist of multiple layers of different filter media (such as sand,
anthracite, and garnet) to enhance filtration efficiency and remove finer
particles.

Filtration Process: Water passes through the filter media, and suspended
particles or impurities get trapped within the media bed. As the water moves
through the filtration media, particles are physically captured and retained,
allowing only clean water to pass through.

Backwashing: Over time, the filter media can become clogged with trapped
particles, reducing filtration efficiency. Backwashing is the process of reversing
the flow of water through the filter to dislodge and remove trapped impurities.
This helps in cleaning and rejuvenating the filter media, maintaining its
effectiveness.

5. DISINFECTION
Disinfection is a crucial step in the Water Treatment Process (WTP) that aims
to kill or inactivate pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and
protozoa, present in water to make it safe for consumption. Various methods
are employed for disinfection in WTPs, with some of the most common ones
including:
Chlorination: Chlorine is one of the most widely used disinfectants in water
treatment. It can be added to water in the form of chlorine gas, sodium
hypochlorite (liquid bleach), or calcium hypochlorite (solid form). Chlorine
effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms by
disrupting their cell walls or interfering with their metabolic processes.

Chloramination: Chloramination involves the addition of ammonia along with

chlorine. This method forms chloramines, which are longer-lasting disinfectants
than free chlorine. Chloramines are effective in controlling microbial growth
throughout the distribution system.

UV (Ultraviolet) Disinfection: UV light is used as an alternative to chemical

disinfection methods. Water is exposed to UV light, which damages the DNA
of microorganisms, rendering them unable to reproduce. UV disinfection
doesn't involve the use of chemicals and is effective against bacteria, viruses,
and protozoa.

Ozonation: Ozone, a powerful oxidizing agent, is used for disinfection by

producing ozone gas, which is bubbled through the water. Ozone effectively
destroys microorganisms by damaging their cell walls and oxidizing organic
compounds. It also helps in removing taste and odor compounds.

6. PH ADJUSTMENT
pH adjustment is a critical aspect of water treatment in Water Treatment Plants
(WTPs) as it directly influences the effectiveness of various treatment processes
and the overall quality of water. The pH level indicates the acidity or alkalinity
of water on a scale from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Values below 7 indicate
acidity, and values above 7 indicate alkalinity.

Importance of pH Regulation in Water Quality:

Treatment Process Efficiency: pH plays a significant role in the effectiveness

of coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration processes.
Controlling pH ensures that these processes function optimally, aiding in the
removal of impurities, suspended particles, and organic matter from water.

Disinfection Efficiency: The effectiveness of disinfection methods, such as

chlorination or UV treatment, is influenced by pH. Maintaining the appropriate
pH range ensures that disinfectants work efficiently in killing pathogens and
microorganisms, providing safe drinking water.
Corrosion Control: pH influences the corrosiveness of water. Water that is
too acidic or alkaline can corrode distribution pipes, potentially causing metal
leaching and affecting the quality of delivered water. Proper pH regulation
helps mitigate corrosion issues.

Safe Drinking Water: pH impacts the taste, odor, and overall acceptability
of drinking water. Maintaining a suitable pH level ensures that water is
palatable and acceptable for consumption.

Chemicals Used for pH Adjustment:

Acidic Chemicals: Substances like sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, or carbon

dioxide are used to lower pH levels (increase acidity) when water is too
alkaline.

Alkaline Chemicals: Compounds such as sodium hydroxide (caustic soda),

lime (calcium hydroxide), or soda ash (sodium carbonate) are used to raise pH
levels (decrease acidity) when water is too acidic.

The appropriate chemical for pH adjustment is chosen based on the specific

needs of the water source and treatment requirements.

Overall, maintaining the pH within a recommended range (usually around 6.5

to 8.5 for drinking water) is crucial for ensuring effective treatment processes,
preventing corrosion, providing safe and palatable water, and meeting
regulatory standards. Regular monitoring and adjustment of pH levels in the
treatment process are essential to achieve and maintain high water quality
standards.

7. FLOURIDATION
Fluoridation in Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) involves the controlled addition
of fluoride to public drinking water supplies to achieve optimal concentrations
for dental health benefits. This process, endorsed by health organizations
globally, aims to reduce tooth decay and cavities while mitigating the risk of
dental fluorosis. Typically, fluoride compounds such as sodium fluoride,
fluorosilicic acid, or sodium fluorosilicate are carefully introduced into the
water at controlled levels to attain recommended concentrations (usually
between 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million). Rigorous monitoring and regulation
ensure that fluoride levels remain within safe and effective ranges. By
strengthening tooth enamel, fluoridation helps prevent dental decay, especially
among populations with limited access to dental care. Nevertheless,
maintaining
an appropriate fluoride level is crucial to balance oral health benefits with
minimizing potential adverse effects, emphasizing the importance of ongoing
oversight and community education regarding the benefits and safety
considerations of fluoridation.

8. STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION

Storage and distribution are crucial components of a Water Treatment Plant
(WTP) responsible for preserving treated water quality and ensuring its safe
delivery to consumers. Here's an overview of storage and distribution in WTPs:

Storage: Treated water from the WTP is stored in reservoirs or tanks before
distribution. These storage facilities help to balance water demand, ensuring a
consistent supply during peak and off-peak periods. The design and
construction of these storage structures consider factors such as capacity,
location, and water quality maintenance.

Distribution Networks: Distribution networks comprise an intricate system of

pipes, valves, pumps, and other infrastructure that transport treated water from
storage facilities to consumers' taps. The network layout is designed to
efficiently deliver water to different areas while maintaining pressure and
quality throughout the system.

Water Quality Maintenance: To preserve water quality during storage and

distribution, measures such as the addition of residual disinfectants (e.g.,
chlorine) are applied to prevent microbial regrowth. Regular monitoring and
maintenance of the distribution system are essential to identify and address any
issues that could compromise water quality, including leak detection, pipe
corrosion prevention, and adequate flushing to remove stagnant water.

Pressure Management: Maintaining appropriate pressure in the distribution

system is crucial to ensure water reaches consumers at adequate flow rates.
Pressure zones and control valves are employed to manage pressure variations
within the network.

Monitoring and Control: WTPs use monitoring systems to assess water

quality parameters (e.g., residual disinfectant levels, pH) at different points
within the distribution network. Automated control systems help manage flow
rates, pressure, and disinfection levels, allowing prompt responses to any
deviations from set standards.
Infrastructure Maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance of storage
reservoirs, pipelines, pumps, and valves are essential to prevent leaks, detect
potential issues, and ensure the overall integrity of the distribution system.

9. MONITORING AND TESTING

Monitoring and testing are integral aspects of operating a Water Treatment
Plant (WTP) to ensure the quality and safety of the treated water. These
processes involve regular assessments, sampling, and analysis to verify that
water meets regulatory standards and is safe for consumption. Here's an
overview of monitoring and testing procedures in a WTP:

Water Quality Parameters: Various parameters are monitored to assess water

quality throughout the treatment process and in the distribution system. These
include pH levels, turbidity (clarity), dissolved oxygen, temperature,
conductivity, chlorine residual, total organic carbon, and other chemical
constituents. Monitoring these parameters helps ensure that the treatment
processes are effective and that the water is safe for consumption.

Sampling and Analysis: Regular sampling of water at different stages of the

treatment process is conducted to collect representative samples for analysis.
Trained personnel collect samples according to specific protocols to maintain
accuracy. These samples are then analyzed in on-site laboratories or external
facilities equipped with sophisticated instruments and methodologies for testing.

Microbiological Testing: Microbiological testing is crucial to identify the

presence of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Tests for coliform
bacteria and Escherichia coli (E. coli) are commonly conducted to ensure the
absence of harmful microorganisms. Additionally, monitoring for
Cryptosporidium and Giardia may also be performed to assess the effectiveness
of treatment in removing protozoa.

Compliance Monitoring: WTPs must comply with regulatory standards set by

local, national, or international health authorities. Regular monitoring and
testing ensure that the treated water meets these standards for various quality
parameters. Reports of compliance are submitted to regulatory agencies to
demonstrate adherence to water quality guidelines.

Instrumentation and Automation: Advanced monitoring systems, including

sensors, meters, and online analyzers, are integrated into the treatment process
to provide real-time data on water quality parameters. Automated systems help
in continuous monitoring and immediate detection of deviations from set
parameters, allowing prompt corrective actions.
Record-Keeping and Reporting: Comprehensive records of monitoring and
testing results are maintained for traceability and accountability purposes. These
records include sampling dates, locations, test results, and any corrective actions
taken. Regular reporting to regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and the public
ensures transparency in water quality management.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC): Quality assurance

programs are implemented to ensure the reliability and accuracy of testing
procedures. Quality control involves checks on equipment calibration, method
validation, and proficiency testing of laboratory personnel to maintain high
testing standards.

10. SLUDGE TREATMENT

Sludge treatment in Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) encompasses a
multifaceted process involving the handling and management of residual solids
extracted during water purification. Initially, sludge undergoes thickening to
reduce water content, followed by stabilization methods such as aerobic or
anaerobic digestion to break down organic matter and pathogens. Subsequently,
dewatering processes are employed to further remove moisture, producing a
more solid material suitable for disposal or reuse. The treated sludge is often
disposed of through methods like landfilling, incineration, or can be repurposed
as fertilizer or soil conditioner, adhering to stringent environmental regulations
to ensure safe handling and minimal ecological impact. Efficient sludge
treatment is essential for mitigating environmental risks and maintaining water
treatment plant efficiency while adhering to stringent regulatory standards
governing waste management.

11. MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP

Maintenance and upkeep of a Water Treatment Plant (WTP) are essential for
ensuring its continuous and efficient operation in providing safe drinking water
to communities. Regular maintenance involves a comprehensive range of
activities, including routine inspections, equipment servicing, and repair works,
aimed at preserving the infrastructure and optimizing the treatment processes.
These activities encompass checking and calibrating instruments and sensors,
monitoring chemical dosing systems, inspecting pipelines and valves for leaks
or corrosion, and servicing pumps and motors to maintain their functionality.
Preventive maintenance schedules are implemented to proactively address
potential issues, ensuring minimal downtime and optimizing the lifespan of
equipment. Moreover, stringent adherence to safety protocols, staff training
programs, and compliance with environmental regulations are integral aspects
of WTP maintenance. Timely maintenance not only enhances operational
efficiency and reliability but also guarantees the consistent delivery of high-
quality drinking water, safeguarding public health and ensuring the WTP's long-
term sustainability.

IMPORTANCE OF PROVIDING SAFE DRINKING

WATER
Safe drinking water is of immense importance for several reasons:

1. Public Health: Safe drinking water is vital for preventing waterborne

diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and diarrhea caused by various
pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Access to clean water
significantly reduces the risk of illness and death, particularly among
vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

2. Disease Prevention: Contaminated water sources can harbor disease-causing

microorganisms. Access to safe water helps prevent the spread of waterborne
illnesses, especially in areas prone to outbreaks or emergencies.

3. Hygiene and Sanitation: Safe water availability supports proper hygiene

practices such as handwashing, bathing, and sanitation, crucial in reducing
the transmission of diseases and promoting better health in communities.

4. Nutrition and Development: Safe water is essential for agricultural

activities, food preparation, and overall nutrition. Lack of access to safe water
can hinder crop production and food safety, affecting communities' overall
development.

5. Environmental Conservation: Protecting water sources from

contamination and pollution is crucial for preserving ecosystems,
biodiversity, and water quality, benefiting both human consumption and the
environment.

6. Socioeconomic Impact: Access to safe drinking water enhances productivity,

reduces healthcare costs, and contributes to economic development. It also
supports educational opportunities, particularly for girls who might otherwise
spend time fetching water instead of attending school.
A MODEL OF WATER TREATMENT PLANT.