What is the purpose of disinfecting drinking water?

The primary purpose of disinfecting drinking water is to eliminate harmful bacteria and other pathogens that can cause waterborne diseases. Disinfection processes, such as chlorination or ultraviolet (UV) treatment, target microorganisms that may be present in water supplies, ensuring that the water is safe for consumption. By effectively reducing or eliminating these bacteria, disinfection protects public health, reducing the risk of illnesses such as gastroenteritis, cholera, and dysentery, which can arise from contaminated water.

The other options, such as color, odor, and turbidity, are important water quality characteristics but do not emerge as the primary reasons for disinfection. While color and odor can indicate the presence of certain contaminants or organic materials, they do not necessarily correlate with the presence of pathogens. Similarly, turbidity, which refers to the cloudiness of water due to suspended particles, can affect water quality but does not address microbial safety directly. Disinfection focuses specifically on safeguarding against biological threats.