What is the primary function of a surface water treatment plant?

The primary function of a surface water treatment plant is to purify surface water to meet drinking water standards. This involves several processes designed to remove contaminants and pathogens from the water collected from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. These processes usually include coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. Each step is crucial in ensuring that the treated water is safe for human consumption and complies with regulatory standards set forth by health authorities.

By concentrating on purification, the plant ensures that pollutants such as organic materials, bacteria, viruses, and chemicals are effectively removed from the water. The ultimate goal is to provide safe drinking water that promotes public health. This is in stark contrast to functions like discharging wastewater, which is primarily concerned with effluent management; storing water for agricultural use, which targets irrigation needs; or monitoring water quality, which is about assessing the safety and cleanliness of water rather than treating it. The focus of a surface water treatment plant is solely on making water safe for drinking, which underscores the importance of option B as the correct choice.