Small amounts of chlorine added to water are primarily used for?

Chlorine is commonly added to water primarily for the purpose of killing bacteria. This is a crucial step in water treatment processes, as it helps to disinfect the water and eliminate harmful microorganisms that can cause illness. The presence of chlorine in water ensures that it is safe for consumption and use, preventing the spread of waterborne diseases.

While chlorine can have some impacts on taste, it is not added specifically for enhancing flavor. Furthermore, softening water typically involves the use of other chemicals, like sodium or potassium, rather than chlorine. Filtration processes are aimed at removing particles and impurities but do not rely on chlorine to achieve their objectives. Thus, the primary and most significant role of chlorine in treated water is its ability to act as a disinfectant, effectively killing bacteria and making the water safe.