Abstract: Aqueous media, e.g., potable waters, are treated/purified by flocculation utilizing, as the flocculant therefor, that flocculating adjuvant adapted for ready dispersion/dissolution in such media comprising intimate admixture of a water soluble gum, polymer or biogum heteropolysaccharide, a dispersion/dissolution enhancing amount of a water donor material, and, advantageously, an anionic and/or nonionic surfactant.

Abstract: A water treatment process is provided wherein water of a pH in the range of about 6 to 9 is treated with a flocculating agent, most preferably, an iron or aluminum comprising flocculating agent, and a flocculation additive comprising a heteropolysaccharide generated by the action of bacteria of the genus Xanthomonas or Arthrobacter, or fungi of the genus Sclerotium. The flocculating agent is added initially to the water, with the heteropolysaccharide comprising flocculation additive being added subsequent thereto. The process finds particular utility in the purification of potable waters.