What is the second stage of water treatment known for?

The second stage of water treatment is known for filtration, which is a critical process in ensuring that water is safe for consumption. During filtration, water is passed through various types of filters designed to remove suspended particles, sediments, and impurities that may remain after the initial treatment phase. This step is crucial for improving the clarity and quality of the water, effectively reducing contaminants such as dirt, debris, and some microorganisms that could be present.

Filtration can involve several methods, including sand filters, activated carbon filters, and membrane filtration techniques, each of which plays a role in capturing different types of pollutants. The effectiveness of this stage enhances the overall water quality and prepares it for subsequent stages, such as disinfection, where harmful bacteria and viruses are eliminated.

The other stages involve processes that, while also important, do not refer specifically to filtration. Chlorination is a method used for disinfection and is typically performed after filtration. Distillation involves boiling water and condensing the vapor to separate impurities, which is not a typical stage in standard water treatment. Precipitation refers to the process of forming solid particles from a solution, often used in earlier stages to remove certain dissolved substances, but does not specifically relate to the second stage.