What is the primary function of water treatment?

The primary function of water treatment is to remove contaminants and impurities from water to ensure that it is safe for human consumption. This process is critical for protecting public health by eliminating harmful substances, such as bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and sediments, which can pose serious health risks if ingested. Water treatment involves various methods, including filtration, disinfection, and chemical treatment, to deliver clean and safe drinking water to communities.

Other options, while they touch on aspects related to water, do not address the main objective of water treatment. For instance, enhancing the flavor of drinking water or adding nutrients may be secondary benefits but do not represent the primary goal of ensuring safety and cleanliness. Additionally, reducing the temperature of water is not a function of water treatment and does not contribute to making the water safe for consumption. The focus of water treatment consistently remains on the removal of hazards and making water potable.