What type of organisms should be inactivated during the process of disinfection?

The focus on coliform and other indicator organisms during the disinfection process is centered on their role in assessing water quality and safety. Coliforms are a group of bacteria commonly found in the environment, particularly in soil, vegetation, and the intestines of warm-blooded animals. Their presence in water serves as an indicator of potential contamination by fecal matter and, consequently, the possibility of waterborne pathogens being present.

Disinfecting water to effectively inactivate coliform and other indicator organisms ensures a broader level of safety, as these indicators can signal the presence of fecal contaminants, which may harbor harmful microorganisms. While it is important to handle all pathogenic organisms in water, targeting coliforms during disinfection helps ensure that the microbial quality meets health standards, providing a reliable assessment of the overall safety of the water supply.

In comparison, other options focus either too narrowly on specific types of organisms or do not encompass the broader need for thorough disinfection to ensure public health safety. The presence of only pathogenic organisms, for instance, overlooks the importance of monitoring and controlling indicator organisms, which act as a warning sign for potential issues in water quality.