Chemicals for Water Treatment: An Essential Guide

Bob Hunter • November 15, 2023
Contact us for chemicals used for water treatment. We ship water treatment chemicals to PA and the lower 48 US states.

Human waste, bacteria, viruses, pollutants, and dangerous pathogens!

 

All of these would be present in our aquatic ecosystems without proper chemical wastewater treatment. At best such things would seriously and negatively impact our ecosystem resulting in pollution and oxygen depletion. At worst this contaminated water could enter our drinking supply and cause life-threatening illness on a vast scale.

 

What this means is that proper water treatment is crucial. The good news is you can find out all about water treatment, how it's done, and how to ensure it's as safe as possible in the post below.


Common Water Treatment Chemicals

Four different types of chemicals are utilized in wastewater treatment. They are known as coagulants, flocculants, neutralizers, and anti-foaming agents.


Coagulants and Flocculants

A combination of these two types of chemicals is used in wastewater treatment to encourage sediment to clump so it can easily be separated and removed from the water.


Neutralizers

These keep the Ph at the correct level being neither too alkaline nor acidic.


Anti-foaming agents

These keep bubbles (foam) from appearing in the liquid by changing their physical properties. This is necessary because it makes the wastewater easier to process and prevents wear on the processing equipment.


Importance/Benefits of Water Treatment Chemicals

 

There are many benefits of using wastewater treatment chemicals. The first is that they provide increased access to water that would otherwise be unusable. No mean feat when less than 4% of our planet's water is safe to drink.

 

Additionally, using chemicals to treat wastewater can be good for the environment and it prevents pollutants from getting into the ecosystem and harming it.

 

Lastly, using the proper wastewater chemicals will save your business money as it will ensure compliance with your location's legislation and regulations.   


Risks Associated with Water Treatment Chemicals

 

There are risks that those handling wastewater treatment chemicals need to be aware of including asphyxiation, poisoning, projections, and inhalation. However, these risks can be mitigated with the proper safety procedures as detailed in the next section.


Safety Precautions when Handling Water Treatment Chemicals

Due to the risks associated with handling wastewater treatment chemicals, making sure your employees have the correct protective equipment and are trained to use it properly is crucial.

 

Two types of protective equipment are relevant to those using wastewater chemicals. The first type is known as PPE or personal protective equipment, while the second type is known as CPE or collective personal equipment.

 

PPE

PPE consists of items such as waterproof gloves that protect your hands when handling chemicals, masks with FFP2 protection for bioaerosols, and anti-gas flotation, and goggles that stop any chemical splashes from getting at your eyes.

 

CPE

CPE on the other hand is equipment that is utilized by all workers at the same time and includes showers that can be used for decontamination, ventilation systems that ensure a supply of clean air into the space in which you are working, and portable or fixed gas detectors which can help identify when levels are becoming too high.

 

Indeed, while all these types of protective equipment are important, decontamination showers are particularly vital as they can be used to minimize any injury that may occur from wastewater chemical exposure. To be properly effective, decontamination showers need to be accessible within 20 seconds of contamination and also need to be tested weekly to ensure they will work within this timescale when called upon.


Environmental Impact of Water Treatment Chemicals

 

In addition to the risk to persons that wastewater treatment chemicals pose, it's also important to consider any risk to the Environment.

 

Some chemicals that find their way into the aquatic ecosystem can be harmful over time, affecting the endocrine system of animals and impacting their reproduction. However, the chemicals used for wastewater treatment are designed to combat this, making any water released into the Environment far safer than any that has not gone through the purification process.

 

Additional wastewater chemical specialists are developing new formulas all the time to further reduce any chemical contamination of the wider environment via water that has been treated.


Choose North Industrial Chemicals For All Your Wastewater Chemical Treatment Needs!

 

Need the right chemicals to ensure the proper treatment of wastewater for your business or organization? Look no further than our experts here at North Industrial Chemicals.

 

Call now at 717-845-8647 to learn about our wide delivery radius, low delivery cost, and to experience our expert service.

CONTACT US
Contact us for all your industrial chemical needs, and for advice in cleaning up chemical spills.
By Bob Hunter April 24, 2025
Discover practical tips and techniques to prevent chemical spills and maintain tidy, safe workspaces. Enhance safety protocols, improve organization, and minimize risks with valuable strategies.
Contact us to purchase wastewater treatment chemicals in bulk.
By Bob Hunter April 12, 2025
Discover the journey of treated wastewater from treatment facilities to its next destination. Learn about the processes involved, environmental impacts, and their role in sustainability.
Contact us for HCL, muriatic acid, and for all your bulk chemical supply needs.
By Bob Hunter March 22, 2025
Learn how to store muriatic acid (HCI) safely with our essential safety tips and guidelines. Protect yourself and your property from potential hazards.
Contact us to purchase absorbent powder for spill management and cleanup.
By Bob Hunter March 8, 2025
Discover the right amount of absorbent powder to use for efficient spill management. Learn how to calculate the optimal quantity based on spill type, surface area, and product characteristics.
Contact us to purchase isopropyl alcohol in bulk, or to learn how to safely store it.
February 24, 2025
Learn essential best practices for safely storing isopropyl alcohol to prevent accidents and maintain its effectiveness. Prioritize safety with expert tips on proper handling and storage solutions.
We off water treatment chemicals that help supply safe drinking water
By Bob Hunter February 8, 2025
Explore the comprehensive water treatment processes, including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. Learn how these methods effectively remove pollutants.
Contact NIC to purchase HCI and other industrial chemicals.
By Bob Hunter January 23, 2025
A deep dive on handling small spills of hydrochloric acid safely. Discover essential safety tips, appropriate protective gear, and effective neutralization methods to ensure a secure and controlled cleanup
Contact us for chlorine tablets and for all your chemical supply needs.
By Bob Hunter January 4, 2025
Discover how to ensure safety and effectiveness while storing chlorine tablets. Learn the best practices for optimal shelf life.
Contact us for water treatment chemicals for water treatment plants.
By Bob Hunter December 19, 2024
Discover the essential water treatment and purification processes that ensure safe and clean water for health and environmental sustainability.
More Posts