Which process is commonly used to disinfect water in treatment facilities?

Chlorination is a widely used process for disinfecting water in treatment facilities due to its effectiveness in eliminating harmful microorganisms and pathogens. By introducing chlorine into the water system, it reacts chemically with bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, effectively neutralizing them and making the water safe for human consumption.

This method is not only efficient but also relatively cost-effective, allowing for large volumes of water to be treated. Additionally, chlorination provides a residual disinfectant effect, meaning that as water travels through pipes to reach homes, it remains protected against recontamination. This characteristic is especially important in preventing waterborne diseases.

While electrolysis, filtration, and distillation are also important processes in water treatment, they serve different purposes or are less commonly used specifically for disinfection. Electrolysis utilizes electrical current to purify water, which is less common in large-scale applications. Filtration plays a crucial role in removing physical impurities and particles but is not primarily a disinfection method. Distillation, which involves heating water and collecting the vapor, can kill pathogens but is generally impractical for large treatment facilities due to energy requirements. Thus, chlorination stands out as the preferred method for effective water disinfection in treatment facilities.