What does the term 'supernatant' refer to in a water treatment context?

In the context of water treatment, the term 'supernatant' specifically refers to the clear liquid that remains above a sediment or precipitate after the settling process has occurred. This is an essential concept in various water treatment processes, such as sedimentation or clarification, where solids are allowed to settle out of the water due to gravity. The supernatant contains fewer solids and contaminants, making it more suitable for further treatment or distribution.

Understanding supernatant is crucial for water operators because handling the different phases of water treatment, such as the separation of solids from liquids, directly impacts water quality and treatment efficiency. Identifying and managing the supernatant effectively can lead to improvements in the overall water treatment process, highlighting the importance of this term within the field.