What is the primary function of a water treatment plant?

The primary function of a water treatment plant is to treat and purify water for safe public consumption. This involves various processes that remove contaminants, pathogens, and other undesirable substances from raw water sources, such as rivers, lakes, or groundwater. The treatment process typically includes coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, ensuring that the treated water meets safety and health standards set by regulatory agencies.

While distributing water to homes is an essential aspect of water supply systems, it is not the main function of the treatment plant itself. Irrigation water supply and monitoring environmental water quality are also critical but fall under different areas of water management and public health responsibilities. The core objective of the water treatment plant fundamentally revolves around ensuring that water is safe and suitable for consumption.