For what purpose is chlorine primarily used in water works?

Chlorine is primarily used in water works for disinfection purposes. This means that it plays a crucial role in eliminating pathogenic microorganisms that can cause diseases in humans. When chlorine is added to water, it reacts with contaminants and effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful pathogens, ensuring that the water is safe for public consumption.

Disinfection is essential in the treatment process, as it helps to maintain public health standards by preventing outbreaks of waterborne diseases. The use of chlorine is particularly effective due to its ability to provide lasting residual protection; this means that a small amount of chlorine remains in the water to continue to inhibit microbial growth after treatment.

Options such as flocculation, ozonation, and fluoridation serve different purposes in water treatment. Flocculation refers to the process of aggregating particles to form larger particles (flocs) for easier removal, which is a distinct step in water purification before the disinfection stage. Ozonation utilizes ozone as a disinfectant and oxidant but is not as widely used as chlorine for routine disinfection due to cost and handling complexities. Fluoridation, on the other hand, is the process of adding fluoride to water to help prevent dental cavities, which does not directly relate to dis