Which of the following is NOT a benefit of keeping drinking water free from bacteria?

Keeping drinking water free from bacteria offers several significant benefits that contribute to public health, taste, and cost-effectiveness.

When drinking water is free from bacteria, it typically tastes better because bacterial contamination can lead to unpleasant flavors and odors. The presence of bacteria often indicates poor water quality, which can negatively impact the sensory attributes of the water. Therefore, maintaining bacterial-free water is crucial for ensuring that consumers enjoy drinking it, leading to better hydration and health outcomes.

Moreover, the absence of bacteria directly correlates with improved public health outcomes. Pathogenic bacteria in drinking water can result in waterborne diseases, which can have serious health consequences for individuals and communities. By ensuring that drinking water is free from bacteria, the risk of outbreaks is significantly reduced, protecting public health on a larger scale.

In terms of treatment costs, keeping water bacteria-free can lead to reduced costs. If water is regularly maintained to be free from harmful microorganisms, the need for extensive treatment processes can be minimized. This efficiency can result in lower operational and treatment expenses for water treatment facilities.

In contrast, higher chemical use is generally not a benefit of keeping drinking water free from bacteria. Increased chemical treatment often arises from inadequate primary filtration or treatment processes that fail to effectively remove contaminants, including bacteria