What process is primarily affected if turbidity levels exceed the recommended values before filtration?

When turbidity levels exceed the recommended values before filtration, the primary process affected is filtration efficiency. High turbidity indicates a substantial amount of suspended particulate matter in the water, which can clog filtration systems and impede their ability to effectively remove these particles. This can lead to a decrease in the overall performance of the filtration process, resulting in more contaminated water passing through and potentially reaching consumers.

Turbidity can hinder the filtration process by preventing proper water flow and requiring more frequent maintenance or backwashing of the filters. In addition, if not addressed, these high turbidity levels can obscure the effectiveness of subsequent treatment processes, leading to higher risks of contaminant presence in the treated water.

While processes such as flocculation and disinfection can also be impacted by high turbidity, the immediate effect is most notable on filtration efficiency, as that is the first line of defense that directly removes particles from the water stream.