What is the primary purpose of treating drinking water?

The primary purpose of treating drinking water is to ensure safety for consumption. Water treatment processes are designed to remove harmful contaminants, pathogens, and impurities that can pose health risks to individuals who drink the water. By following these treatment protocols, water utilities aim to provide clean, safe, and potable water that meets health standards set by regulatory agencies.

In contrast to this, altering the color, enhancing mineral content, or increasing turbidity do not serve the fundamental goal of water treatment, which is to protect public health. While certain minerals can be beneficial and aesthetic aspects like color may be addressed in some treatments, these factors are secondary to the essential objective of making water safe to drink.