What is chlorination, and why is it commonly used in water treatment?

Chlorination refers to the process of adding chlorine to water as a means of disinfection. This method is widely used in water treatment because chlorine is effective at killing a broad range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and some parasites. When chlorine is introduced into drinking water, it forms hypochlorous acid, which is a potent disinfectant.

The primary goal of chlorination is to ensure the safety of the water supply by reducing its microbial content, thereby minimizing the risk of waterborne diseases. The effectiveness of chlorine as a disinfectant, combined with its relatively low cost and ease of application, makes it a preferred choice for water treatment facilities. Furthermore, chlorine can provide residual protection as it remains in the water distribution system, continuing to inhibit the growth of microbes that may enter the system after treatment.

In contrast, other options like softening water or removing heavy metals address different concerns related to water quality, while enhancing taste does not focus specifically on pathogen reduction, which is the main purpose of chlorination. Thus, chlorination stands out as a critical step in ensuring safe drinking water through effective disinfection.