Which process in water treatment utilizes specific capacity?

The process that utilizes specific capacity in water treatment is groundwater extraction. Specific capacity refers to the yield of a well or a borehole, typically expressed as the volume of water that can be extracted per unit of drawdown. In groundwater extraction, this measurement is crucial as it helps determine how effectively water can be drawn from a particular aquifer.

Understanding specific capacity allows operators to assess the sustainability of groundwater supplies and make informed decisions about pumping rates and conservation measures. It also provides insights into the aquifer's health and the potential impact of extraction on surrounding environment and ecosystems.

In contrast, the other processes mentioned do not directly rely on specific capacity measures. Filtration pertains to separating solids from liquids, chemical disinfection involves the application of chemicals to kill pathogens, and water softening focuses on removing hardness from water via ion exchange, none of which require the assessment of specific capacity for their operation.