Depending on the water resource, the Drinking Water treatment also includes mineral control by removing or adding minerals, according to the authority's definitions. While the treatment of Industrial Water concentrates on the removal of Minerals, Drinking Water treatment deals with the removal of health hazards. Drinking Water must be free of suspended solids, microorganisms, Heavy Metals and toxic chemicals. Drinking Water also has to be treated for taste and odor, which are affected by calcium, magnesium, sulfate and iron content.
For municipal drinking water, a special focus is placed on the corrosivity and scaling potential of the water to maintain the condition of the piping system.