Chlorine is added to water primarily for what purpose?

Chlorine is added to water primarily to kill harmful organisms. This process is known as disinfection, which is essential for making drinking water safe by eliminating bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can cause diseases. The use of chlorine in water treatment is widespread due to its effectiveness in destroying these microorganisms and its ability to provide residual protection as the water travels through the distribution system.

Ensure that the water supply remains free from microbial contamination is a vital public health measure. While chlorine can also indirectly affect taste and odor and has a role in maintaining water quality, its main purpose is to ensure that the water is safe for consumption by preventing outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Other options, such as balancing pH levels or removing sediment, do not primarily involve chlorine and are typically addressed using different methods or chemicals in water treatment processes.