What does water treatment and purification refer to?

Water treatment and purification refers to the comprehensive process of improving water quality through one or more methods. This can include a variety of techniques such as filtration, disinfection, sedimentation, and the use of chemicals to remove contaminants, ensuring the water is safe for consumption and use.

This broad definition captures the complexity of the processes involved in making water clean and safe, as it is not limited to just filtering, chemical disinfection, or any single step. Water treatment may involve multiple stages, each targeting different types of impurities and contaminants, which can vary greatly depending on the source and intended use of the water.

Focusing on only filtering or disinfecting with chemicals overlooks the various other methods that might be employed in a complete water treatment system. Similarly, equating water treatment to transportation fails to acknowledge the critical role of treatment processes in ensuring the safety and quality of the water that is transported.