The primary purpose of disinfection in water treatment is to:

The primary purpose of disinfection in water treatment is to kill pathogenic microorganisms. This process is crucial for ensuring that water is safe for human consumption and reduces the risk of waterborne diseases. Pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, can cause serious health issues if ingested. Therefore, disinfection techniques, which may include chlorination, ultraviolet light treatment, or other methods, are employed to eliminate these harmful organisms from the water supply.

Improving taste, removing solids, and adjusting pH levels are important aspects of water treatment as well, but they do not directly pertain to the primary goal of disinfection. While taste can be affected by certain treatment processes, it is not the primary focus of disinfection. Likewise, the removal of solids (such as sediments and particulates) is part of the water treatment process that occurs before disinfection. Adjusting pH levels is essential for optimizing the effectiveness of various treatment chemicals and ensuring water stability, but it does not serve as the primary function of disinfection. Thus, the primary objective remains focused on eliminating pathogens to protect public health.