Final answer:
To be considered safe to drink, water must undergo treatment using four distinct methods: flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection.
Step-by-step explanation:
To be considered safe to drink, water must undergo treatment.
The treatment process for drinking water involves several steps, including:
- Flocculation: In this step, chemicals are added to water to create tiny particles called floc. These floc particles attract and bind together impurities such as dirt and bacteria.
- Sedimentation: The water is then allowed to sit undisturbed, allowing the floc particles to settle at the bottom of the container.
- Filtration: The water is passed through filters made of sand, gravel, and charcoal, which further remove impurities.
- Aeration: This step involves exposing the water to air, which aids in the removal of certain volatile organic compounds.
- Disinfection: Finally, the water is treated with disinfectants such as chlorine or ozone to kill any remaining bacteria, viruses, and other harmful organisms.
By undergoing these four distinct methods, water is made safe to drink by removing potential contaminants and pathogens.