Water disinfection

Water disinfection inactivates or removes disease-causing microorganisms in water. It reduces infection risks but does not necessarily remove chemical contaminants or all microbial hazards.

Chlorination: The treatment of water with chlorine or chlorine compounds to inactivate microorganisms and leave a disinfectant residual. Its lasting residual helps protect water as it moves through distribution systems.
Drinking water treatment: The processes used to make water safe and suitable for human consumption. Disinfection is one stage in a broader treatment train for potable water.
Pathogen: A biological agent capable of causing disease in a host. Disinfection targets pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
Water sterilization: The complete destruction or removal of all forms of microbial life from a material or environment. Disinfection reduces specified microbial hazards but does not promise complete sterility.
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation: The use of ultraviolet light to damage microbial genetic material and prevent replication. It can inactivate microbes without adding a chemical residual to the water.
Water chlorination in emergencies: The controlled addition of chlorine to water supplies during emergencies to reduce microbial hazards. Outbreaks and disrupted infrastructure can make rapid disinfection essential.
Waterborne disease: An illness caused by pathogens transmitted through contaminated water. Preventing these infections is the central public-health purpose of disinfection.
Water purification: The broad treatment of water to remove or reduce contaminants and make it suitable for a particular use. Purification can include disinfection, but also addresses particles and chemical contaminants.
Ozonation: The treatment of water with ozone, a reactive gas that oxidizes contaminants and inactivates microorganisms. Ozone acts rapidly but leaves little lasting protection after treatment.
Point-of-use water treatment: Treatment of water at the place where it is consumed, rather than at a centralized facility. Household methods can disinfect water when reliable piped treatment is absent.

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