Water Distribution Grade 1 Certification Practice Exam

What is a common use of activated charcoal in water treatment?

1. To filter out large particles

2. To remove odors and tastes

3. To disinfect water

4. To soften hard water

The correct answer is: To remove odors and tastes

Activated charcoal is widely recognized for its ability to improve the aesthetic qualities of water, particularly by removing odors and tastes. This property stems from its extensive surface area and porous structure, which allows it to adsorb a variety of organic compounds, chemicals, and impurities that can contribute to unpleasant smells or flavors. By binding to these substances, activated charcoal effectively cleans the water, making it more palatable and pleasant to consumers. In contrast, filtering out large particles is typically the role of other filtration systems, such as sand or membrane filters, rather than activated charcoal. Disinfection relies on methods like chlorination or UV treatment, which are specifically designed to eliminate pathogens, while water softening usually employs ion exchange processes to remove hard minerals like calcium and magnesium. Thus, the primary and common use of activated charcoal in water treatment is indeed to remove odors and tastes, enhancing the overall quality of the water.