Potable Water in the UK
Chemistry: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 10.1.3
Potable Water in the UK
There are different methods for producing potable water. Which method is chosen depends on what water is available and the local conditions.
Rainfall levels in the UK
- In the United Kingdom, levels of rainfall are quite high.
- Rain water is a type of fresh water, meaning that it contains low concentrations of dissolved substances.
Collecting fresh water
- Step 1 in potable water production in the UK is collecting fresh water from a source that is not near to heavily polluted areas.
Treating water
- Once collected, the water is put through a 2-step treatment process:
- Filtration: particles of solid are filtered out by passing the water through a wire mesh.
- Sterilisation: harmful microbes are killed by bubbling chlorine gas through the water.
Test yourself on Potable Water in the UK
What are the names of these processes?
How does filtration differ from sterilisation when treating water?
Potable Water Production in the UK
Why is fresh water from rainfall a suitable source for producing potable water in the UK?
Which water source would be most suitable for producing potable water in the UK?