What is "chlorination," and why is it important in water treatment?

Chlorination is the process of adding chlorine to water systems, primarily intended for disinfection. This step is crucial in water treatment because it effectively kills harmful pathogens—such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa—that can lead to waterborne diseases. By ensuring that drinking water is free from these organisms, chlorination plays a vital role in protecting public health.

Chlorine is typically chosen for its effectiveness and relatively low cost, making it a standard practice in municipal water treatment. The residual chlorine that remains after the disinfection process also helps protect the water as it travels through the distribution system, reducing the risk of contamination.

Other methods mentioned, such as filtering out impurities or reducing water pressure, play important roles in the overall water treatment process, but they do not specifically address the disinfection aspect that chlorination provides. Similarly, measuring water flow is essential for operational purposes but does not contribute to making water safe for consumption in the way that chlorination does.