What is a common effect of inadequate disinfection in water treatment?

Inadequate disinfection in water treatment leads to significant health risks primarily through microbial contamination. Disinfection is essential for eliminating or inactivating harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that can cause waterborne diseases. When disinfection is insufficient, these pathogens can survive in the water supply and pose serious health threats to consumers.

Microbial contamination can lead to outbreaks of illnesses, highlighting the critical need for effective water treatment processes that include proper disinfection measures. This is why monitoring and maintaining adequate disinfection levels is a key component of water quality management.

Other options, while related to water quality and treatment, do not directly stem from disinfection failures. Increased sediment buildup, enhanced water color, and reduced water pressure may occur due to various operational or environmental factors, but they do not specifically result from inadequate disinfection practices like microbial contamination does. Hence, understanding the implications of inadequate disinfection is crucial for maintaining safe drinking water and public health.