In water treatment, what is the primary purpose of skimming virgin greensand?

In water treatment, skimming virgin greensand primarily serves to remove fines that can cause clogging. Virgin greensand, which is an effective media for treatment processes like iron and manganese removal, can contain small particles and fines that, if left unaddressed, may lead to filter clogging. Clogging can hinder water flow and reduce the overall efficiency of the filtration system. By skimming these fines off the surface of the greensand, operators can maintain optimal flow rates and ensure that the filtration process continues to work effectively without interruptions caused by blockages.

While the other choices highlight different aspects of water treatment processes, the removal of fines is critical for maintaining the proper function and longevity of the greensand filter media. Enhancing color removal, improving taste, or facilitating regeneration are important considerations in the overall water treatment process but do not directly relate to the primary function of skimming virgin greensand.