What is a common consequence of high turbidity levels in water treatment processes?

High turbidity levels in water can significantly impact the effectiveness of various treatment processes, making increased chlorine demand a common consequence. Turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness in water caused by suspended solids, such as silt, clay, and organic matter. When water has high turbidity, it can protect harmful microorganisms from disinfectants like chlorine, leading to the necessity for a higher dosage to achieve the same level of disinfection as in clearer water. This is because the chlorine will bind to the particles instead of effectively targeting pathogens.

Additionally, during the treatment process, high turbidity can negatively affect the efficiency of sedimentation and filtration systems. These systems work on the principle of removing suspended particles, and when the turbidity is elevated, the systems are not as effective, leading to potential operational challenges in managing the required chlorine levels for safe drinking water. Thus, the increase in chlorine demand is a direct response to the challenges posed by high turbidity in water treatment processes.