What is the main goal when treating a filter with chlorine?

The primary goal of treating a filter with chlorine is to eliminate pathogens. Chlorine is a widely used disinfectant in water treatment, effective in killing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may pose health risks to consumers. The use of chlorine helps ensure that the water is safe for human consumption by significantly reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.

While the treatment with chlorine can impact various aspects of water quality, such as color and the presence of certain contaminants, its most critical function is disinfection. This focus on pathogen removal is crucial in ensuring safe drinking water, as microbial contamination is a significant concern in public health. Chlorination is a key step in maintaining water quality and safety standards defined by regulations.

Other options, while related to water treatment, do not reflect the primary intent of chlorine application in this context. For instance, chlorine is not primarily used to reduce sediment buildup or remove heavy metals, and improving water color is not its main purpose. Instead, the emphasis is always on disinfecting and protecting public health.