What does the process of water treatment primarily involve?

The process of water treatment primarily involves filtration and disinfection for safe human consumption because these steps are crucial for removing contaminants and pathogens that could pose health risks to the public. Filtration helps to physically remove larger particles and some microorganisms from the water, improving its clarity and quality. Following filtration, disinfection is essential to eliminate any remaining harmful microorganisms that may cause disease. Common disinfection methods include the use of chlorine or ultraviolet (UV) light, both of which effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.

While boiling water can enhance taste and is effective at killing pathogens, it's not a standard method applied in the larger context of municipal water treatment processes. Storage of water in large tanks is necessary for distribution but does not constitute treatment by itself. Adjustment of water pressure is also important for ensuring adequate flow in the distribution system, but this is not directly related to the treatment process. Hence, the central focus of water treatment remains on ensuring the water is safe for human consumption through filtration and disinfection methods.