Which of the following is a method of determining water safety?

Disinfection is a key method for determining the safety of water as it involves the process of killing or inactivating harmful microorganisms that can pose health risks. Techniques such as chlorination, UV treatment, or ozonation are commonly used in disinfection to ensure that water is free from pathogens before it is considered safe for consumption. This process is critical in preventing waterborne diseases, which can result from the presence of bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

While filtration can also contribute to water safety by removing sediments and some microorganisms, it does not guarantee the elimination of pathogens. Tasting water as a safety measure is not reliable, as contaminants often cannot be detected by taste or odor. Heating water can kill some microorganisms, but it is not a practical method for routinely ensuring water safety in large-scale scenarios or for treated drinking water supplies. Therefore, disinfection stands out as the most effective and widely used method to assure safe drinking water.