In water treatment, screening is typically described as the initial stage to remove large debris. Which statement best describes screening?

• A. It removes dissolved minerals from water
• B. It is the initial stage of treatment to remove large debris
• C. It sterilizes water by heating
• D. It adds minerals for taste

Answer: (B)

Screening is the first physical barrier in water treatment, designed to catch large solids before they can move deeper into the system. By removing items like leaves, branches, plastic, and other debris, screening protects pumps, pipes, and downstream equipment from clogging and damage, and it helps the subsequent treatment steps work more effectively. It’s a mechanical process that targets particles, not dissolved substances, so it doesn’t remove minerals dissolved in the water. It also doesn’t disinfect, which would involve killing or inactivating organisms, nor does it add minerals for taste. Because of that, the description that screening is the initial stage of treatment to remove large debris best captures its purpose and function.