Which method is often used to disinfect drinking water?

Chlorination is a widely used method for disinfecting drinking water because it effectively kills a broad spectrum of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and some protozoa. The process involves adding chlorine or chlorine compounds to water, which then reacts with microorganisms, disrupting their cellular functions and rendering them harmless.

One of the primary advantages of chlorination is its residual effect; once chlorine is added to the water, it continues to provide protection against microbial contamination even after treatment, as it remains present in the distribution system. This residual chlorine prevents re-infection of the water as it travels through pipes to consumers.

While boiling water is an effective method for disinfection, particularly for small quantities or emergency situations, it is not practical for large-scale water treatment. Filtration can remove some contaminants but may not eliminate all pathogens unless it is specifically designed for disinfection. Deionization is used primarily to remove minerals and does not address microbial safety, making it unsuitable as a primary disinfection method. Thus, chlorination stands out as a critical process in ensuring the microbiological safety of drinking water on a large scale.