What common treatment is applied to kill bacteria in drinking water?

Chlorination is a widely used method for treating drinking water to kill bacteria. This process involves adding chlorine or chlorine compounds to the water, which effectively disinfects it by destroying or inactivating harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. The chlorine reacts with the cellular structures of these pathogens, leading to their destruction. This method is particularly effective because it provides a residual disinfectant that helps maintain water quality as it travels through pipes to homes and businesses, further protecting against contamination.

While mechanical filtration is useful for removing sediments and larger particles from water, it does not inherently kill bacteria. Freezing and evaporation are not viable methods for disinfecting drinking water, as freezing does not eliminate bacteria effectively, and evaporation primarily removes water rather than disinfecting it. Thus, chlorination stands out as the most practical and effective common treatment for ensuring the microbiological safety of drinking water.