NEHA Potable Water Practice Exam

The filtration processes in water treatment play a crucial role in ensuring the removal of a variety of particulates. Clay, silt, and microorganisms are common contaminants in natural water sources that can adversely affect water quality.

Clay and silt are fine particles that can cloud the water and can also harbor harmful bacteria. Their removal is essential for achieving clearer water that meets safety and aesthetic standards. Microorganisms, including bacteria and protozoa, pose significant health risks if left untreated in potable water. Filtration systems, such as sand filters or membrane filters, are specifically designed to capture these tiny particulates to protect human health and ensure the safety of drinking water.

While sand and gravel can indeed be part of filtration systems, they are typically not the particulates being targeted for removal; rather, they serve as the medium through which other particulates are filtered. Salts and acids, on the other hand, are generally managed through different methods, such as ion exchange and chemical treatment, rather than traditional particulate filtration. Similarly, volatile organic compounds require specialized treatment processes like activated carbon filtration, which is distinct from the particulate removal primarily focused on with filtering systems that target clay, silt, and microorganisms. This understanding highlights why the choice that includes clay, s