How does chlorination primarily function in water treatment?

Chlorination in water treatment primarily functions as a method of disinfection through a chemical reaction. This process involves adding chlorine to the water, which reacts with various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. The chlorine acts by breaking down the cellular structure of these microorganisms, effectively neutralizing them and preventing waterborne diseases.

This disinfection process is crucial for ensuring that the treated water is safe for consumption and meets health standards. Chlorination can also create residual chlorine in the distribution system, providing ongoing protection against potential recontamination.

While other processes like lowering water temperature or filtering out sediments play roles in certain aspects of water treatment, they do not directly relate to disinfection, which is the primary purpose of chlorination. Similarly, while heavy metals can be a concern in water quality, chlorination is not designed to remove them; instead, specific treatment methods like filtration or chemical precipitation address such contaminants.