Which method is primarily associated with creating a strong disinfectant effect while treating drinking water?

Chlorination is primarily associated with creating a strong disinfectant effect while treating drinking water because it involves the addition of chlorine or chlorine compounds to the water supply, which effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Chlorine is a powerful oxidizing agent that targets and disrupts the cellular processes of microorganisms, ensuring that the drinking water meets safety standards for public health.

The use of chlorination is particularly advantageous due to its residual disinfectant properties, meaning that it continues to protect the water as it travels through the distribution system. This residual effect helps prevent microbial growth and contamination following treatment.

While other methods such as filtration, ultraviolet light treatment, and reverse osmosis contribute to the overall treatment of water, they do not primarily focus on disinfection in the same way that chlorination does. Filtration can remove particulates, UV treatment effectively disarms microorganisms but does not provide residual protection, and reverse osmosis primarily targets dissolved solids rather than directly disinfecting the water. Chlorination stands out as the method specifically designed to ensure a strong and sustained disinfectant effect.