Ontario Operator-in-Training (OIT) Practice Exam

In a water treatment process, what is the primary purpose of chlorination?

1. To adjust the pH levels

2. To enhance taste and odor

3. To eliminate pathogens

4. To prevent corrosion

The correct answer is: To eliminate pathogens

Chlorination is a critical step in water treatment processes primarily aimed at eliminating pathogens, which include bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can pose significant health risks to consumers. The introduction of chlorine into the water effectively kills these harmful organisms, ensuring that the water is safe for consumption. This disinfection process is essential for protecting public health and preventing waterborne diseases. While adjusting pH levels, enhancing taste and odor, and preventing corrosion are important aspects of overall water treatment, they are not the primary function of chlorination. For instance, pH adjustment might involve the addition of acids or bases, while taste and odor improvement typically require different treatments like aeration or activated carbon filtering. Corrosion prevention is managed through the use of corrosion inhibitors, rather than chlorination itself. Thus, the focus of chlorination remains firmly on disinfection and safeguarding public health.