What is the primary goal of disinfection in water treatment?

The primary goal of disinfection in water treatment is to eliminate pathogenic organisms. Disinfection processes, such as chlorination, UV treatment, or ozonation, are specifically designed to eradicate harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that can pose serious health risks to humans. By effectively reducing or destroying these pathogens, disinfection ensures that the water is safe for consumption and minimizes the incidence of waterborne diseases.

While enhancing taste, removing sediment, and adjusting mineral content are important aspects of overall water treatment, they serve different functions and are not the primary focus of disinfection. The foremost concern during the disinfection process is to safeguard public health by providing microbiologically safe drinking water.