Which of the following is a common purpose of chlorination in water treatment?

Chlorination in water treatment serves the vital purpose of eliminating pathogens. This process involves adding chlorine or chlorine compounds to water to effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may be harmful to human health. By doing so, chlorination significantly reduces the risk of waterborne diseases, making the water safe for consumption and other uses.

The effectiveness of chlorination as a disinfectant is a key reason why it is widely used in municipal water supply systems. This method provides a level of residual disinfection, ensuring that water remains safe as it travels through distribution systems until it reaches consumers.

While taste enhancement, pH adjustment, and increasing mineral content are important aspects of water quality management, they are not the primary goals of chlorination. Chlorination is specifically aimed at disinfection, making it imperative for public health safety.