What is a primary benefit of using chlorination in water treatment?

Chlorination is a widely used method in water treatment primarily for its ability to effectively kill pathogens. The introduction of chlorine into water serves as a strong disinfectant, targeting and destroying bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that could pose health risks to users. By doing so, chlorination significantly reduces the likelihood of waterborne diseases and contributes to safer drinking water.

The action of chlorine involves the formation of reactive species that penetrate the cell walls of these pathogens and disrupt their metabolic processes, leading to their elimination. This critical function makes chlorination an essential component in various water treatment processes, ensuring that the water delivered to consumers is microbiologically safe.

While there are other factors and benefits associated with water treatment, such as the removal of heavy metals or improvement of water taste, these are not the primary functions of chlorination. Additionally, chlorination does not increase turbidity; in fact, it can sometimes help clarify water by removing certain types of particulate matter indirectly through coagulation and sedimentation processes.