What is the purpose of enhanced coagulation in water treatment?

Enhanced coagulation primarily aims to improve the removal of dissolved organic matter, which includes precursors to disinfectant byproducts. These precursors, often natural organic materials in the water, can lead to the formation of harmful compounds when chlorine or other disinfectants are used. By implementing enhanced coagulation techniques, such as adjusting pH levels and optimizing coagulant dosing, water treatment facilities can more effectively bind and remove these substances during the coagulation process.

The effectiveness of enhanced coagulation ultimately supports public health by minimizing the risk associated with disinfectant byproducts, ensuring that the treated water meets safety standards. This strategy is particularly important in systems that rely heavily on surface water sources, where organic material concentrations can be higher.

Other options, while addressing various aspects of water treatment, do not capture the primary reason for enhanced coagulation. Reducing sediment primarily pertains to physical sedimentation processes, increasing flow rates through filters relates more to operational efficiency, and enhancing taste and odor is often dealt with through different treatments such as activated carbon filtration or specific chemical additions, rather than coagulation itself.