What is the primary purpose of flocculation in water treatment?

Flocculation in water treatment is primarily aimed at facilitating the aggregation of smaller coagulated particles into larger, more manageable particles known as floc. This process typically follows coagulation, where chemicals are added to destabilize the particles present in the water, enabling them to clump together. The larger floc particles formed during flocculation can then be more easily removed from the water through sedimentation or filtration.

This process is crucial for improving the efficiency of the water purification system, as larger particles settle more quickly and can thus be removed effectively, leading to cleaner, safer water. By enhancing the formation of these larger aggregates, flocculation helps to reduce the overall amount of suspended solids and turbidity in the water, contributing to improved water quality.

The other choices reflect processes or objectives that are not the primary focus of flocculation. Removing bacteria is typically a separate disinfection step, clarity relates to the end result of several treatment processes, and regulating temperature does not pertain to the flocculation process. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the core function of flocculation in the water treatment continuum.