Treating groundwater for drinking | Education resources | Water Corporation

Summary

The video explains how the Water Corporation ensures safe drinking water in Western Australia, focusing on the Wanneroo Groundwater Treatment Plant. It describes the various sources of water, including surface water, groundwater, seawater desalination, and groundwater replenishment. The treatment process at the plant involves aeration, MIEX (Magnetic Ion Exchange), clarification, filtration, and disinfection. The MIEX process, in particular, is highlighted for its efficiency in removing organic material. The video emphasizes the importance of water quality testing and encourages mindful water usage as a precious resource.

Takeaways

• 💧 Water Corporation provides essential water, wastewater, and drainage services in Western Australia, focusing on sustainability and future water security.
• 🌧️ Perth’s four main drinking water sources are surface water, groundwater, seawater desalination, and groundwater replenishment.
• 🚰 Surface water from dams is becoming less reliable due to decreasing rainfall caused by climate change.
• 🌊 Groundwater supplies 40% of Perth’s drinking water but also depends on rainfall for replenishment.
• 🌊 Seawater desalination is a climate-independent water source and contributes significantly to Perth’s drinking water.
• ♻️ Groundwater replenishment treats wastewater to drinking standards and stores it in aquifers for later use, providing a sustainable water source.
• 🏭 Wanneroo Groundwater Treatment Plant uses a five-step process: aeration, MIEX, clarification, filtration, and disinfection to treat groundwater.
• 🔄 The MIEX (Magnetic Ion Exchange) process is a unique and efficient method for treating variable groundwater quality by removing organic materials.
• 🧪 Standard water treatment methods involve aeration, chemical additives like alum, filtration, and pH adjustment, with MIEX-treated water requiring no pH adjustment.
• 🔍 Water quality is regularly monitored through checkpoints, and the water is tested from every supply source across Western Australia to ensure safety.

Q & A

What is the main responsibility of Water Corporation in Western Australia?

Water Corporation is responsible for providing and supplying water, wastewater, and drainage services in Western Australia. It ensures the availability of clean and safe drinking water by developing new sources, increasing water recycling, and promoting efficient water use.

What are the four main sources of drinking water in Perth?

The four main sources of drinking water in Perth are surface water, groundwater, seawater, and groundwater replenishment.

Why is surface water no longer a reliable source of drinking water in Perth?

Surface water is less reliable because Perth’s drying climate has resulted in reduced rainfall, leading to lower water levels in the dams that store surface water.

What percentage of Perth’s drinking water comes from groundwater?

Groundwater provides about 40% of Perth’s drinking water.

How does seawater contribute to Perth's water supply?

Seawater is treated through desalination, making it a significant and climate-independent source of drinking water for Perth.

What is groundwater replenishment, and how does it work?

Groundwater replenishment is a process where treated wastewater is purified to drinking water standards and recharged into underground aquifers. It is stored and later extracted for further treatment before entering the drinking water system.

What are the five basic processes used to treat groundwater at the Wanneroo Groundwater Treatment Plant?

The five basic processes are aeration, MIEX (Magnetic Ion Exchange), clarification, filtration, and disinfection.

What does the MIEX process do, and why is it important?

MIEX, or Magnetic Ion Exchange, is a pre-treatment process that efficiently removes a wide range of organic material from groundwater, providing more consistent and higher-quality water treatment than standard processes.

How does aeration improve the quality of groundwater?

Aeration increases the oxygen levels in the water, which helps separate naturally occurring iron and hydrogen sulphide. Iron can give the water a rusty color, while hydrogen sulphide produces a smell similar to rotten eggs.

What is the purpose of the clarifier stage in water treatment?

In the clarifier stage, chemicals like alum and poly-electrolyte are added to bind particles in the water, making them heavier so they sink to the bottom. This process helps to separate color and turbidity particles from the clean water.

What happens to the sediment collected during the filtration process?

The sediment is collected in drying beds and then transported to landfill sites for proper disposal.

How does Water Corporation ensure the quality of the treated water?

Water Corporation monitors water quality through checkpoints throughout the treatment process and uses a monitoring and control system to keep track of water quality. Additionally, water samples are taken from every supply source around Western Australia for regular testing.