What is the primary goal of disinfection in water treatment?

The primary goal of disinfection in water treatment is to eliminate pathogens. Disinfection is a critical step in the water treatment process aimed at protecting public health by ensuring that the water supply is free from harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. These pathogens can cause serious illnesses if ingested through contaminated drinking water.

While improving taste, reducing turbidity, and softening water are important aspects of water treatment, they do not specifically address the health risks associated with microbial contamination. Disinfection methods, such as chlorination, ultraviolet light treatment, or ozonation, are specifically designed to effectively kill or inactivate these pathogens, making drinking water safe for consumption. Therefore, the focus of disinfection is on microbial safety rather than aesthetic or physical properties of water.