Sources of Potable Water

Describe the principal methods used to increase the availability of potable water, focusing on separation techniques and the treatment of waste, ground, and salt water.

Describe, explain, and provide examples of the simple distillation process.

Define potable water as water that is safe to drink, and distinguish it from chemically pure water by noting the presence of dissolved substances.

Explain how the methods for producing potable water depend on available water supplies and local environmental conditions.

Outline the primary steps for producing potable water from fresh water, including source selection, filtration, and sterilization.

Identify common sterilizing agents used in water treatment, such as chlorine, ozone, or ultraviolet light.

Explain the processes of desalination (including distillation and reverse osmosis) used when fresh water supplies are limited, noting the significant energy resources required.

Understand the necessity of treating large volumes of urban and industrial waste water before environmental release.

Detail the requirements for treating sewage and agricultural waste water versus industrial waste water.

Outline the stages of sewage treatment, including screening, grit removal, sedimentation, anaerobic digestion of sludge, and aerobic biological treatment of effluent.