Water treatment plants or systems are a feature in any community with a municipal or district water system. In the water treatment process, groundwater or water from other sources is treated to remove matter, purify the water and create drinking water that is both safe and palatable. Water treatment also occurs in manufacturing and in the home.

Large-scale water treatment 

A large-scale treatment facility pulls in water from a source, such as a well or a waterway, aerates the water, and then uses a mixture of chemicals to help create more dense particles that settle to the bottom of a treatment basin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These debris are then raked away and top-mounted troughs remove the cleanest possible water from the basin for the water system to pass on through additional filtration and disinfection phases before traveling to customers. 

Treatment for production and manufacturing

Similar processes may operate at a smaller scale at factories and other facilities that need to produce potable water for drinking or use in food production. Clean water is also required for manufacturing other products as the water enters the local environment after any additional treatments following use. Common techniques used in these settings include reverse osmosis, ion, carbon filtration, and UV disinfection, according to New Food magazine. 

Manufacturers often rely on industrial water treatment services and systems provided by third-party manufacturers to meet the demands food safety dictates and the environmental requirements of the federal government and other regulatory bodies. In addition to the initial purchase of equipment for the cleaning process, there are additional costs, including repair and maintenance of components, chemical purchases, and parts replacement. Upgrades to equipment may also be required as regulations change. 

In-home water treatment

While communities strive to provide clean drinking water for citizens, taste isn't always a primary concern. For better tasting and smelling drinking water or to create soft water, consumers often use in-home water treatment products. 

Water filters can be installed in-line outside or inside the home or added at the tap level to provide even cleaner water. Water softeners are used to combat the impacts of hard water on appliances, clothing, and skin. They are generally installed inside the home near where the main water pipe enters the building in order to provide softened water for the entire house. With the exception of tap-mounted water filters, both water filters and water softeners should be installed by a professional to ensure correct setup and compliance with all local codes and warranty guidelines. Many of these units rely on a salt solution to soften the water so require additional costs and regular care. Some providers offer ongoing maintenance services to keep the unit functioning at top efficiency.