Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

What substance may be added to municipal drinking water supplied to make the water cleaner?

1. Fluoride

2. Chlorine

3. Bleach

4. Chloramine

The correct answer is: Bleach

In the context of making municipal drinking water cleaner, chlorine is a commonly used substance. Chlorine is a disinfectant that helps to kill bacteria and other pathogens, making water safe for consumption. It acts effectively in purifying water supplies by eliminating harmful microorganisms that could cause diseases. While fluoride is often added to promote dental health and chloramine is a compound used similarly to chlorine for disinfection, the use of bleach is not appropriate for municipal water treatment due to its potential harmful effects and instability in water. Additionally, bleach can produce toxic byproducts and is not a standard method for treating drinking water. Therefore, chlorine is the appropriate choice in municipal water systems for ensuring that the water is clean and safe for public consumption.