What is the process of destroying pathogens?

Prepare for the American Water Works Water Treatment Plant Operator Test. Study with multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready to excel!

Disinfection is the step that inactivates or kills disease-causing organisms in water. After solids have been removed and the water is clarified, disinfectants such as chlorine, chloramines, ozone, or UV light are used to destroy pathogens or render them noninfectious, providing a safety barrier for distribution system water. This process is essential because it directly targets the infectious agents, not just remove them. Filtration, coagulation, and sedimentation primarily focus on removing particles and clarifying water; they don’t guarantee pathogen destruction, which is why disinfection is the proper term for destroying pathogens.