ESCI C.S4.O1.A3 Water Purification

Natural Purification

As water moves between each stage in the water cycle, water undergoes natural purification. As water evaporates, other non-water and various contaminants are left behind. Sediments and pollutants are filtered out as water moves between layers of soil and loose gravel. This process of ground infiltration brings cleaner water to our aquifers. This natural cycling helps to purify water and has been copied, in part, by modern innovation in our water treatment facilities. Many of the processes followed by water treatment facilities have been derived from natural purification processes. However, water treatment facilities also make use of biological and chemical purification processes. (Utah Earth Science OER Links to an external site.)

Humans have developed automated systems that simulate the natural processes to clean wastewater. Watch this video explaining how this process works:

ESCI C.S4.O1.A3 The Sewage Treatment Process VID Links to an external site.

Your Assignment:

• Write a paragraph describing how infiltration and evaporation, as part of the water cycle, purifies water.
• Write another paragraph explain how the human sewage treatment process mimics the natural process.