What is the purpose of enhanced coagulation in water treatment?

Enhanced coagulation is a critical process in water treatment aimed at improving the removal of disinfection byproduct precursors that can form during the disinfection process. This is particularly important for addressing organic substances in the water that can react with disinfectants, such as chlorine, to produce harmful byproducts like trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids. By optimizing the coagulation process, which involves the addition of coagulants to aggregate and remove suspended solids and organic material, the overall water quality is enhanced.

This approach is designed to ensure that water treatment facilities can effectively manage and reduce the concentrations of these precursors, thereby improving the safety and quality of the drinking water while meeting regulatory standards. Enhanced coagulation often involves adjusting pH levels and coagulation conditions to target specific types of organic matter more efficiently, thus directly contributing to the goal of reducing potential health risks related to disinfection byproducts.

The other options do not align with the primary objectives of enhanced coagulation: increasing pH levels does not directly relate to the removal of precursors; reducing water temperature is not a function of coagulation; and adding minerals, while sometimes a part of water treatment, does not relate to the enhanced coagulation process focused on organic matter removal.