Drinking water in the US and developed nations of the world is treated to remove contamination of foreign materials, both mineral and organic, derived from soil, domestic sewage and industrial waste. Using zeta potential measurements, one can monitor the chemistry and amount of coagulant needed to clarify water supplies.

Plots of zeta potential vs. coagulant dosage are used to evaluate the effectiveness of various chemicals and brands of polymers. Zeta potential can also be used to adjust coagulant dosage levels periodically in order to minimize cost of chemicals for water purification. Example control charts from water manufacturing sites will be shown.

The Malvern Instruments Zetasizer line can be used as a precise and accurate monitoring device for water clarification purposes.