What is Jar Testing?
A jar test is a small scale, benchtop procedure designed to test different chemical treatments on raw water to determine the most effective treatment method for that specific water or facility. Jar testing can be used to identify more effective treatment options for existing water processes by simulating large scale system treatment processes on a small scale which allows for the testing of different variables, combinations and doses of treatments. It is a cheap method of testing that can often optimize treatment by preventing overdosing/ overfeeding.

How is Jar Testing Done?
Jar testing is a small scale method of testing different treatment methods for large scale water treatment operations. It therefore begins with several samples of raw water being collected from the system to be tested, included a control sample (a sample with the system’s current treatment doses) and placing them in beakers, or ‘jars’ to be tested. Each jar is given a different combination of the chemical(s) to be tested, usually coagulant/ flocculant, to see how they perform, and are compared to the control group to see if more optimal results have been achieved.
A Jar Testing Case Study
Recently, Fact Water engineers performed a jar test for a cheese manufacturing facility to determine the effectiveness of the company’s current wastewater treatment program, and attempt to provide a more optimal program. Jar testing proved to be a valuable method of gathering useful data, and was used to improve the client’s water significantly.
Several rounds of 4 jar test each were performed at this client. The first jar acted as the control group, using the same combination of coagulant/flocculant as the client, while the other jars contained new combinations that were to be tested. Eventually the ideal combination and dose was identified and confirmed through repeat jars to ensure repeatability. The successful jar achieved the best results as indicated by floc quality and water turbidity.