What is the purpose of chlorination in water treatment?

Chlorination in water treatment primarily serves the purpose of disinfection, which involves killing or inactivating harmful microorganisms that can pose health risks to humans. Chlorine is a powerful oxidizing agent that effectively targets bacteria, viruses, and some protozoa, making it a widely used method for ensuring that drinking water is safe and free from pathogens.

This process is crucial because untreated water can harbor a variety of microorganisms that cause diseases, such as gastrointestinal infections. By applying chlorine or chlorine compounds, water treatment facilities can significantly reduce the incidence of waterborne illnesses, ensuring public health and safety.

While it is true that chlorination may have secondary effects, such as improving the overall perception of water quality by reducing certain odorous or taste-affecting compounds, its primary and most critical role is to serve as a disinfectant. It does not provide essential vitamins or nutrients, nor does it directly reduce water hardness, which is a measure of the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions in water. Therefore, the role of chlorination is fundamental in safeguarding water quality and public health through effective disinfection.