Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Class C Water License Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Class C Water License Exam. Utilize flashcards, multiple choice questions, and in-depth explanations. Equip yourself with the skills to succeed!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What can be affected by the pH levels during surface water treatment?

Chemical storage
Filtration efficiency
Coagulation effectiveness
Water temperature

The correct answer is: Coagulation effectiveness

The effectiveness of coagulation in water treatment is significantly influenced by the pH levels of the water being treated. Coagulation is the process in which chemical coagulants, like aluminum sulfate or ferric chloride, are added to water to facilitate the aggregation of suspended particles into larger clumps, or flocs, so they can be removed more effectively. The pH level affects the charge of both the coagulants and the particles in water. Each coagulant has an optimal pH range where it performs best; for instance, alum works effectively at a slightly acidic pH range (around 6.5 to 7.5). If the pH level deviates from this optimal range, the coagulation process may be less effective, leading to poor removal of particles and a reduction in water quality. Therefore, maintaining the appropriate pH level is crucial for ensuring the coagulation process works as intended, making this option the most relevant choice regarding the influence of pH during surface water treatment.