Water Distribution Grade 1 Certification Practice Exam

What is a common way to disinfect water before distribution?

1. Boiling

2. Chlorination

3. Filtration

4. Ultraviolet treatment

The correct answer is: Chlorination

Chlorination is a widely accepted method for disinfecting water before it is distributed for public use. This process involves adding chlorine or chlorine compounds to water in order to kill pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause waterborne diseases. Chlorination is favored in many water treatment facilities because it is effective at ensuring that any harmful microorganisms are eradicated. Moreover, chlorine residues can provide ongoing protection as the water travels through distribution systems, helping to prevent recontamination. While other disinfection methods such as boiling, filtration, and ultraviolet treatment are also effective in different contexts, they lack certain advantages provided by chlorination. For instance, boiling requires heating the water to a rolling boil, which can be impractical for large quantities. Filtration can remove particles and some pathogens, but it may not be effective against all microorganisms without additional disinfection methods. Ultraviolet treatment effectively inactivates pathogens but requires specific equipment and does not leave a residual disinfectant in the water supply. Given these points, chlorination stands out as a common and practical solution in water treatment processes for effective disinfection before distribution.