What is the main goal of water treatment processes?

The primary aim of water treatment processes is to remove contaminants and ensure that the water is safe for consumption. This process involves several stages, including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, each designed to eliminate harmful microorganisms, chemicals, and particulates from the water supply. The ultimate goal is to produce clean, potable water that meets health and safety standards, making it suitable for drinking, cooking, and other uses.

While storing water for long periods and circulating it efficiently are important aspects of water supply management, they do not directly address the need to treat water for safety and quality. Similarly, increasing the temperature of water is not a goal of treatment processes; instead, treatment aims to maintain appropriate temperatures while ensuring the removal of harmful substances. Thus, option C accurately reflects the central purpose of water treatment operations.