Diatomaceous earth filters should be augmented by what?

Diatomaceous earth filters are a type of filtration technology that uses the microscopic remains of diatoms, a kind of algae, which have unique porous structures that effectively trap particles, including bacteria and other impurities in water. However, the filtration process does not remove all contaminants, particularly in a public water supply context.

To ensure the safety and potability of the water treated through diatomaceous earth filters, chlorination is typically used as an additional disinfection step. Chlorination helps eliminate pathogens that might not be completely filtered out, thereby providing an extra layer of protection against waterborne diseases.

This combination of filtration and chlorination is vital for effective water treatment, especially in scenarios where water quality is critical, such as public supplies. Chlorine acts as a disinfectant that can target viruses and bacteria, which underscores its importance in the water treatment process when using diatomaceous earth filters.

This method checks both for immediate impurities during the filtering process and long-term microbial safety, making chlorination an essential augmentation for diatomaceous earth filters in water treatment systems.