Drinking Water Supplier
Drinking water is the ultimate nutrient. As such, purity of the water is an absolute must, and this can only be guaranteed with suitable measurement analyses. By monitoring the steps involved in purifying the raw water, it is also possible to further increase the efficiency of the overall plant.
We need drinking water for countless everyday tasks, from preparing the evening meal and washing the dishes afterwards to cleaning our teeth. It goes without saying that the processes involved in the production of drinking water are subject to stringent quality requirements. To ensure that drinking water is not hazardous to human health, certain thresholds must be observed. The EU Water Framework Directive therefore sets strict legal stipulations, according to which drinking water plants must be able to demonstrate the quality of their product throughout the production chain.
Water treatment dependent on raw water
Raw water is taken from:
- Well water (wells close to the surface as well as deep wells)
- Surface water from flowing bodies of water, lakes and dams
- Spring water
To turn the raw water into drinking water, it undergoes various purification steps depending on its origin. For example, drinking water obtained from surface water often contains iron and manganese compounds. If these compounds exceed the designated limit values, they have to be filtered out.
The following parameters may also play a crucial role:
- pH
- Turbidity
- Hardness
- Concentration of micro organisms
- Conductivity
- Nitrates
- Dissolved organic matter
If the values of these parameters do not match the stipulated limit values, substances must be either added or removed. This may involve chemical, biological or physical processes. Suitable laboratory analyses indicate whether the individual processes are being performed correctly.
Process analysis can save money
Quality assurance based on laboratory analyses is a legal requirement and is therefore essential in the drinking water industry. However, process analysis is also important, and can even help save money. After all, companies that fully understand the individual reaction steps can dose the individual chemicals more precisely. For example, to separate iron or manganese from the raw water, these substances are oxidised in an activated sludge tank. Plants that can measure and adjust the required oxygen with a high degree of accuracy can therefore save on energy costs.