What is the primary use of a jar tester?

The primary use of a jar tester is to evaluate water treatment chemicals before adding them to the water system. A jar tester simulates the conditions of a full-scale treatment process, allowing operators to conduct tests on different coagulants, flocculants, or other treatment chemicals to determine their effectiveness in removing impurities from water. By using this method, operators can optimize chemical dosages, identify the best chemicals for specific water sources, and ensure that the treatment process will be effective, which is crucial for maintaining water quality and regulatory compliance.

This tool is vital in assessing how different treatment strategies could impact water clarity or chemical residuals, which directly informs operational decisions. This testing is typically done before implementing any changes in the treatment process on a larger scale.

While biological assays and meeting IDEM laboratory control regulations are important in water treatment, they pertain to different aspects of quality control and compliance. Mixing chemicals at a specific concentration is more of a procedural requirement that might arise in the treatment process but is not the primary focus of a jar tester.