What role does disinfection play in water treatment?

Disinfection is a critical step in water treatment because it focuses specifically on the elimination or inactivation of harmful microorganisms that can pose health risks to humans. This process is essential in ensuring that water is safe for consumption, as many pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, can be present in untreated or inadequately treated water sources. Effective disinfection methods, such as chlorination, ultraviolet (UV) treatment, and ozonation, help to kill or deactivate these microorganisms, thereby reducing the likelihood of waterborne diseases.

While improving the aesthetic quality of water, reducing chemical pollutants, and balancing pH levels are important aspects of water treatment, they do not directly address the primary purpose of disinfection, which is to safeguard public health by managing microbial contamination. The focus of disinfection is thus on making water microbiologically safe, which is essential for protecting communities from illness.