Here's why:
* Disinfection: Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant that kills harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites in water. This is crucial for preventing waterborne illnesses.
* Cost-effectiveness: Chlorine is relatively inexpensive and readily available.
* Long-lasting: Chlorine provides residual disinfection, meaning it continues to kill microbes even after the water leaves the treatment plant.
While chlorine is the most common, other chemicals are also used in water treatment, depending on the specific needs of the plant. These include:
* Fluoride: Added to strengthen teeth.
* Alum: Used for coagulation and flocculation, removing suspended solids.
* Lime: Used to adjust pH and remove hardness.
* Activated carbon: Removes taste, odor, and organic compounds.
Let me know if you have any other questions about water treatment!
