What is the function of chlorination in the water treatment process?

The function of chlorination in the water treatment process is to kill microbes. Chlorination involves the addition of chlorine or chlorine compounds to water, which serves as a powerful disinfectant. This process is crucial because it effectively eliminates harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that can cause diseases in humans. Ensuring that drinking water is free from these pathogens helps protect public health and ensures the safety of the water supply.

While adding minerals, removing solid waste, and clarifying water are important aspects of water treatment, they are distinct processes and do not specifically involve chlorination. For instance, mineral addition is often done to enhance water quality, while solid waste removal typically occurs during the preliminary stages of treatment. Water clarification is aimed at removing particles and sediments, but each of these processes serves different purposes and does not directly relate to the primary role of chlorination, which is focused on disinfection.