Så gör vi kranvatten på Vombverket - med vatten från Vombsjön

Summary

This video script details the journey of water from Vombsjön, a drinking water reservoir since 1948, to the taps in Western Skåne, serving a million residents. It explains the process at Vombverket, where water undergoes artificial infiltration, micro-sieving, natural purification through sand and gravel, and UV treatment. It also covers the reduction of water hardness by 50% and the addition of iron chloride to balance pH levels. The script highlights the importance of sustainable water use amidst climate change, urbanization, and population growth, emphasizing the need for responsible consumption to secure this vital resource for various sectors.

Takeaways

• 💧 Water is essential for all life on Earth and is the world's most important food and natural resource.
• 🏭 Sydvatten operates two water treatment plants, Vombverket and Ringsjöverket, that produce drinking water for about a million residents in Western Skåne.
• 🏞 Vombsjön has been a drinking water reservoir since 1948 and is the starting point for the water treatment process.
• 🔍 The raw water undergoes microfiltration to remove particles like grass and debris.
• ⏳ The water then undergoes artificial infiltration, taking two to three months to naturally filter through sand and gravel into an underground aquifer.
• 🧪 Vombverket has one of Northern Europe's largest infiltration facilities and uses aeration to remove iron and manganese from the water.
• 🔬 The water is then lime-softened to reduce its hardness by 50%, which can reduce the amount of detergent needed.
• 🔄 A small amount of iron chloride is added to the water to coagulate remaining lime residues, and sulfuric acid is used to adjust the pH.
• 🌡 UV light is used to disinfect the water by destroying the DNA of microorganisms, preventing them from multiplying in the distribution network.
• 🏥 Sydvatten's laboratory tests the raw water, the purification process, and the finished drinking water to ensure it meets the Food Agency's requirements.
• 🌐 The water is distributed to connection points in the partner municipalities, which are responsible for the water network within their communities.
• 💦 Water is used for various purposes in homes, including cooking, brushing teeth, and shaving, and it's important to conserve this valuable natural resource.

Q & A

What is the importance of water mentioned in the script?

Water is essential for all life on Earth. It is the world's most important food and natural resource, and without it, society would not function.

Which waterworks are mentioned in the script, and what regions do they serve?

The waterworks mentioned are Vombverket and Ringsjöverket. These facilities produce drinking water for approximately one million residents in western Skåne.

How does the water treatment process begin at Vombverket?

The process starts with water being drawn from Vombsjön, a drinking water source since 1948. The raw water then passes through micro-screens to remove debris like reeds and waste before being pumped into infiltration pipes.

What is artificial infiltration, and how does it work at Vombverket?

Artificial infiltration involves the slow sinking of water through sand and gravel in the ground into a natural groundwater reservoir. This process takes two to three months, after which the water is pumped up from wells.

What is the purpose of aeration during water treatment?

Aeration is used to remove iron and manganese from the water, ensuring it is safe and clean for consumption.

How is water softened during the treatment process, and why is this important?

Water is softened using de-hardening salt. The dissolved lime in the water is precipitated and sticks to small sand grains. As the lime layers on the sand grains increase, they sink to the bottom and are recycled for use in liming lakes and wetlands. This reduces water hardness by 50%, meaning less detergent is needed in washing and dishwashing.

What role does iron chloride play in the water treatment process?

Iron chloride is added to capture any remaining lime particles, forming clumps (flocculation) that are easier to filter out.

How are microorganisms neutralized in the treated water?

The water is exposed to UV light, which destroys the DNA chains of microorganisms, preventing them from reproducing in the distribution network.

What safety measures are in place before the water is distributed?

As a preventive measure, the water is disinfected with a small amount of sodium hypochlorite. Additionally, samples are taken from raw water, during the purification process, and from the finished drinking water to ensure it meets regulatory standards.

What are some recommended actions to conserve water, as mentioned in the script?

Suggestions include turning off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving, using showers instead of baths, running full loads in dishwashers and washing machines, using rainwater for gardening, and watering plants early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.