Which chemical is commonly used to disinfect water in treatment facilities?

Chlorine is a widely used chemical for disinfecting water in treatment facilities due to its effectiveness in killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can contaminate drinking water. It is favored for its ability to provide residual disinfection, meaning it continues to protect water as it travels through distribution systems. This characteristic is essential for maintaining safe drinking water quality from the treatment plant to the consumer's tap.

While ozone is also a powerful disinfectant, it does not provide the same residual effect as chlorine. Fluoride, on the other hand, is primarily used for dental health purposes rather than disinfection, and hydrogen peroxide is used in some specialized applications but is not common for large-scale water treatment. Hence, chlorine is the predominant choice for ensuring water safety in treatment plants.