What is the purpose of sedimentation in water treatment?

Sedimentation in water treatment serves the primary purpose of removing large solids from the water. This process relies on the natural gravitational settling of particles that are heavier than water. As water is allowed to stand in a basin or tank, the larger and heavier contaminants settle to the bottom, forming a layer of sludge. This makes it easier to clarify the water by separating these solids from the clearer liquid above, which can then undergo further treatment processes if necessary. The effectiveness of sedimentation is crucial in the initial stages of water treatment, as it improves the overall quality of the water by ensuring that larger particles are significantly reduced before additional purification steps, such as filtration, take place.