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

What do suspended solids primarily cause in water treatment systems?

1. Filtration

2. Corrosion

3. Mudballs and filter plugging

4. Low pressure

The correct answer is: Mudballs and filter plugging

Suspended solids are a key concern in water treatment systems primarily because they can lead to the formation of mudballs and filter plugging. Mudballs are aggregates of suspended particles that can form in various treatment processes, including filtration systems. When these aggregates accumulate, they can obstruct the flow of water and reduce the operational efficiency of the filters. Filter plugging occurs when particles accumulate in the filter media, leading to increased resistance to flow and requiring more frequent cleaning or replacement of the filter media. This can compromise the performance of the water treatment system and impact the overall quality of the treated water. The other options, while relevant to water treatment processes, do not directly capture the primary impact of suspended solids. For example, filtration is the process used to remove these solids rather than a consequence. Similarly, while corrosion can occur in systems dealing with poor quality water, it is not specifically caused by suspended solids. Low pressure may arise as a result of filter plugging but is not a direct consequence of suspended solids in the same manner as mudballs and plugging. Therefore, recognizing the role of suspended solids in causing these specific issues highlights their critical impact on water treatment systems.