What types of contaminants are silt, clay, and suspended matter considered?

Silt, clay, and suspended matter are classified as physical contaminants because they consist of particles that may not dissolve in water and can affect the water's quality and clarity. Physical contaminants can impact the aesthetic properties of water, such as its turbidity, and they can interfere with the effectiveness of disinfection processes.

These particles can carry other contaminants, including pathogens or nutrients, but in their basic form, they are classified as physical impurities. This can also affect water treatment operations and the distribution systems, as they may lead to sedimentation issues or clogging in pipes and filters.