Disinfection destroys pathogens without sterilizing the water.

Disinfection destroys pathogens without sterilizing the water.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Not always

Answer: (A)

Disinfection in water treatment is about inactivating or killing disease-causing organisms, not about removing every microbe from the water. The goal is to reduce pathogens to safe levels so the water is safe to drink, while sterilization—destroying all microorganisms in the water—is not practical or necessary for a distribution system. Disinfectants such as chlorine, chloramines, ozone, or UV light are effective at neutralizing many pathogens, but some microorganisms (like certain spores or resistant forms) may persist, and the water is not expected to be completely sterile. So the statement is true: disinfection destroys pathogens without sterilizing the water.

Disinfection in water treatment is about inactivating or killing disease-causing organisms, not about removing every microbe from the water. The goal is to reduce pathogens to safe levels so the water is safe to drink, while sterilization—destroying all microorganisms in the water—is not practical or necessary for a distribution system. Disinfectants such as chlorine, chloramines, ozone, or UV light are effective at neutralizing many pathogens, but some microorganisms (like certain spores or resistant forms) may persist, and the water is not expected to be completely sterile. So the statement is true: disinfection destroys pathogens without sterilizing the water.