Which of the following is essential in the treatment of water to ensure safety?

The essential process in the treatment of water to ensure safety is disinfection. Disinfection is vital because it eliminates or inactivates harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that can cause waterborne diseases. This step is necessary for making water safe for human consumption. Without disinfection, even the cleanest-looking water can pose significant health risks due to the presence of these pathogens.

Disinfection methods, which can include chlorination, UV radiation, or ozonation, are specifically designed to target and destroy these harmful organisms, thereby protecting public health. While filtration and fluoridation are important processes in water treatment, they do not address the immediate need to ensure that water is free from disease-causing microorganisms. Filtration primarily removes particulate matter, and fluoridation is intended for dental health benefits rather than infection control.

In summary, while all these processes contribute to the overall quality and safety of drinking water, disinfection is the critical step that directly ensures the elimination of pathogens, making it the essential choice in water treatment.