Which chemical is most commonly used to destroy disease-causing organisms in drinking water?

Chlorine is the most commonly used chemical to disinfect drinking water and destroy disease-causing organisms. This is due to its effectiveness in killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can pose serious health risks in untreated water. Chlorine provides a residual effect, meaning it continues to disinfect water as it travels through the distribution system, which is crucial for maintaining water safety from pathogens until it reaches consumers.

Chlorine is widely favored for water treatment because it is relatively inexpensive and easy to use. Its effectiveness has been well-established through decades of public health practices. While other chemicals such as chlorine dioxide and ozone are also used in water treatment processes, they are not as universally applied as chlorine, which has been the standard for many public water systems. Fluoride, on the other hand, is primarily added to drinking water for dental health, not for disinfection purposes.