What process is used to remove physical impurities from water during treatment?

Filtration is a critical process in water treatment that effectively removes physical impurities from water. This method operates by passing water through a filter medium, which can be made of sand, gravel, or other materials that trap and remove suspended solids, debris, and larger particulates. By utilizing different layers of media, filtration can also help in reducing turbidity, leading to clearer water.

The process enhances the overall quality of water that is safe for consumption or other uses, making it essential in both municipal water treatment and in smaller scale systems. In contrast, flocculation refers to the process of aggregating smaller particles into larger clusters (or flocs) so that they can be easily removed by subsequent sedimentation or filtration, rather than directly eliminating solids. Chlorination is primarily a disinfection process aimed at killing microorganisms, while disinfection can involve various methods to ensure water safety but doesn't focus on the physical removal of impurities.