Water Nuggets Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

When filter run times are extended because of low turbidity in the water, floc breakthrough can occur. This phenomenon happens when the floc particles that have been generated during the coagulation and flocculation process are not adequately captured by the filtration system.

In conditions of low turbidity, the particles in the raw water can be very small, and while longer filter run times might typically allow for more efficient filtration, it can also mean that the filters are not being backwashed frequently enough to remove the accumulated floc. As filtration continues, there can be an increased risk of the floc breaking through the filter media.

This situation often arises because the low turbidity water may necessitate a longer run time for the filters, leading to the accumulation of floc at the surface and eventually pushing some of it through the filter if not managed properly. Therefore, even in systems designed to handle specific levels of turbidity efficiently, prolonged filtration without adequate maintenance could lead to floc breakthrough, compromising water quality.