That's why surface water treatment plants are generally larger and more elaborate than groundwater plants. Iron Iron is one of the most frequently found contaminants in groundwater. Normally, it is not a factor in surface water treatment. When iron levels in ground water are high, the iron must be removed through treatment followed by filtration. Manganese may also be present in groundwater.
Treatment is similar to iron removal.
A key element when treating potable water is the control of the water's acidity or alkalinity. This factor is expressed by the pH number, which is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. A pH of 7 indicates a neutral water. Values between 0 and 7 are acidic, with 0 being most acidic. Values between 7 and 14 are alkaline, with 14 being the most alkaline.