What is the main goal of disinfection in water treatment?

The main goal of disinfection in water treatment is to kill or inactivate most microorganisms. This process is essential for ensuring that the water is safe for human consumption and use. Microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, can pose significant health risks if present in drinking water. Therefore, effective disinfection methods, such as chlorination, ultraviolet light treatment, or ozone treatment, are utilized to eliminate or deactivate these pathogens.

While enhancing the taste of water, reducing water hardness, and increasing the pH level of water are important aspects of overall water treatment, they are not the primary focus of disinfection. These factors relate to the aesthetic and chemical characteristics of water rather than directly addressing the safety of the water in terms of microbiological content. Disinfection specifically targets the removal of harmful microorganisms to protect public health, making it a critical step in the water treatment process.