What type of plants are classified as Category 2 plants?

Category 2 plants are specifically characterized by their use of chemical softening processes. These plants focus on reducing hardness in water, which is primarily achieved through the addition of chemicals that react with hardness ions such as calcium and magnesium, making them easier to remove from the water. By employing chemical softening techniques, these plants can effectively improve water quality, especially in areas where hard water poses issues related to scaling and the decrease of soap effectiveness.

While coagulation and ion exchange are important processes in water treatment, they do not define Category 2 plants. Similarly, the disinfection of surface water and advanced oxidation processes are essential in other treatment contexts, but they fall outside the specific characterization of Category 2 plants centered on chemical softening. Therefore, focusing on the direct application of chemical softening processes confirms the classification of these plants under Category 2.