What is the significance of effective chlorination in water treatment?

Effective chlorination is a crucial step in water treatment as it disinfects the water, ensuring it is safe for consumption. Chlorine is a powerful antimicrobial agent that destroys harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that may be present in the water supply. This disinfection process greatly reduces the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and other infections that can occur from contaminated water.

While balancing pH levels is important for water quality, it is not the primary function of chlorination. Additionally, enhancing the taste of water or improving its color are not directly related to the disinfection process provided by chlorine. Chlorine can have some impact on taste, but this is not its intended purpose in water treatment. The primary role of chlorination is to ensure that the water is microbiologically safe for human consumption.