What process involves the removal of solids before water filtration?

The removal of solids before water filtration is primarily achieved through the process known as sedimentation. During sedimentation, heavier particles and solids present in the water settle to the bottom of a container due to gravity. This process allows for the clearer liquid above to be separated and subsequently subjected to filtration.

Sedimentation is essential in water treatment as it reduces the turbidity of the water and minimizes the load on filtration systems, enhancing their efficiency. By allowing solids to settle before further treatment steps, sedimentation effectively prepares the water for cleaner and more effective filtration, ensuring that the filtration media does not become clogged with solids that could otherwise impede water flow.

In the context of the other processes, while clarification and precipitation may involve the removal of solids, they typically occur through different mechanisms and may not precede the filtration step as directly as sedimentation does. For instance, clarification generally refers to the overall process of making water clearer, which can include multiple steps beyond just sedimentation. Thus, sedimentation is the precise term that best describes the specific removal of solids prior to water filtration.