What is disinfection in the context of water treatment?

Disinfection in the context of water treatment refers specifically to the process of selectively destroying or inactivating pathogenic organisms present in the water. This is a critical step in ensuring that the water is safe for human consumption and use, as harmful microorganisms can lead to serious health issues. Disinfection methods commonly include the use of chlorine, ultraviolet (UV) light, or ozone—all of which effectively eliminate or deactivate pathogens without necessarily removing impurities or altering the water's physical characteristics.

Processes like filtration focus on removing particulates or suspended solids, while removal of color and odor might involve other treatment methods such as activated carbon filtration. Storage of treated water is an important aspect of water distribution systems but does not contribute to the disinfection process itself. Thus, identifying disinfection as the action that specifically targets pathogenic organisms helps establish its vital role in water quality management.