Continuous monitoring of influent water turbidity is essential for determining when to do what?

Continuous monitoring of influent water turbidity is vital because it directly influences the effectiveness of coagulation processes in water treatment. Turbidity levels indicate the presence of suspended particles in the water, and a higher turbidity level means that more coagulant, such as alum, may be required to effectively flocculate these particles.

When turbidity increases, the treatment process must adapt to ensure that water quality is maintained. Altering the alum dosage can enhance the coagulation process, leading to improved particle removal during sedimentation and filtration stages. This helps in achieving clearer water and complying with regulatory standards for turbidity in treated water.

In contrast, while adjusting chlorine dosage, pH levels, or increasing the filtration rate can be important considerations in the treatment process, they do not directly address the immediate need linked to rising turbidity levels in the influent. Adjusting alum dosage directly targets the turbidity problem by optimizing the coagulation process, making it the correct course of action in this scenario.