What is the primary function of the filtration process in water treatment?

The primary function of the filtration process in water treatment is to eliminate harmful microorganisms and particles. Filtration is designed to physically remove contaminants from the water, including suspended solids, bacteria, and viruses that can adversely affect water quality and safety. This step is critical in ensuring that the water meets health standards and is safe for consumption.

Understanding the broader context of the filtration process highlights its importance in providing clean water by not settling for just the removal of large debris or focusing solely on taste. While improving taste and adding essential minerals are part of overall water treatment processes, they are not the main objective of filtration. Instead, the filtration process chiefly concerns improving the microbiological safety and clarity of water, which is essential for public health.