Gravity filters are used to remove which contaminants from surface water supplies?

Gravity filters are effective at removing turbidity from surface water supplies. Turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by large numbers of individual particles that are undissolved. These particles can include silt, sediment, algae, and organic debris, which can interfere with the treatment processes and affect water quality.

Gravity filters utilize the principle of gravity to allow water to flow through a filtration medium, which traps these suspended solids. As water passes through the filter, the larger particles are removed, resulting in clearer water. By effectively reducing turbidity, gravity filters help ensure that the water is more amenable to further treatment processes, such as disinfection. Hence, the primary role of gravity filters in surface water treatment is to manage turbidity.

Other contaminant removal processes might be suited for different treatment applications, but when it comes to direct turbidity removal, gravity filtration is specifically designed for that purpose.