Explore the Water Purification Stages
Run dirty water through screening, coagulation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Water Purification Stages with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Water Purification Stages?
Run dirty water through screening, coagulation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Water treatment plants protect public health around the world by combining these stages.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Each stage removes a different kind of contaminant.
Coagulants make tiny particles clump so they settle out.
Disinfection with chlorine or UV kills the bacteria that filters miss.
Switch off coagulation.
Switch off disinfection.
Run all stages.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Real-World Chemistry learners
Students, teachers and citizens interested in environmental science, climate and water, who want to see the chemistry behind the headlines.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Water Purification Stages on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Switch off disinfection. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
Why is coagulation needed before filtering?
Very tiny particles pass through filters. Coagulants make them stick together into larger clumps that settle or get caught.
Why add chlorine at the end?
To kill remaining bacteria and viruses and keep the water safe as it travels through pipes.
Is the Water Purification Stages free to use?
Yes. The Water Purification Stages is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Real-World Chemistry group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Water Purification Stages work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Water Purification Stages takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 1 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Water Purification Stages?
1. In the Water Purification Stages, use the controls to change Switch stages on or off. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Water Purification Stages, press "Run the water through", "Reset" to start, reset or change what is happening. 3. Start with this experiment: Switch off coagulation. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Water Purification Stages responds in real time. 4. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Each stage removes a different kind of contaminant.
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Try the Water Purification Stages now
Run dirty water through screening, coagulation, sedimentation, filtration and. Free to use.
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