In what context is chlorine used in water treatment processes?

Chlorine is predominantly used in water treatment processes for disinfection, making it a vital component in ensuring that drinking water is safe for human consumption. Disinfection is essential for eliminating pathogens, bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms that can be present in water sources. By adding chlorine to the water, it effectively kills these unwanted organisms, significantly reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.

In various treatment facilities, chlorine may also be used in the form of chlorine gas, sodium hypochlorite, or calcium hypochlorite. The dosing of chlorine is carefully controlled to ensure effective disinfection while minimizing harmful byproducts. The objective of this process is to provide a safe and clean water supply, which is critical for public health.

While chlorination refers specifically to the addition of chlorine in the process, the broad term for the context of its use is disinfection. Therefore, understanding the role of chlorine in disinfection is crucial for water treatment professionals as it directly impacts the safety and quality of drinking water.