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Disinfection prevents microorganisms from multiplying, and they die off.Oxidizing disinfectants also demolish organic matter in water, making necessary nutrients unavailable to the microorganisms, preventing them from returning.Chemical inactivation of micro-organisms is often one of the final steps in the water purification process, and can be used as a secondary disinfection step to prevent bacteria from multiplying in the water during distribution.
Disinfection
Water Disinfection refers to the removal, deactivation, or destruction of pathogenic microorganisms, providing water free and clear of microorganisms that are able to reproduce. Without Disinfection of drinking water, microorganisms can cause people who drink it to become ill.
Methods of Water Disinfection include the use of chemical or physical disinfectants. These agents will also remove organic contaminants from water which can harbor or provide nutrients to the microorganisms. Disinfectants must not only kill the microorganisms, they must also remain active in the water providing a residual affect to prevent pathogenic microorganisms from growing in the plumbing after initial disinfection. This provides longer term protection from re-contamination.
Viable Chemical Disinfectants
Viable Physical Disinfectants