What is the primary goal of chlorination in water treatment?

The primary goal of chlorination in water treatment is to eliminate microorganisms. Chlorination is a disinfection process where chlorine or chlorine compounds are added to water to kill or inactivate harmful pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. This is crucial because untreated water can contain a variety of microorganisms that pose health risks to humans. By effectively targeting these contaminants, chlorination plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and potability of drinking water.

While reducing suspended solids, generating back pressure, and improving water quality through filtration are important aspects of water treatment, they are not the principal objective of chlorination. Chlorination specifically addresses the microbial safety of water, making it a vital part of the overall water treatment process designed to protect public health.