What is the term used for processes that remove pathogens from drinking water?

The term that specifically refers to processes designed to remove or inactivate pathogens from drinking water is water disinfection. This process typically involves the use of chemicals, physical methods, or equipment to effectively eliminate harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, ensuring that the water is safe for human consumption.

While water filtration can remove some physical contaminants and larger pathogens, it does not guarantee the removal of all microorganisms, particularly smaller ones like viruses. Water purification is a more general term that encompasses various methods used to make water safe, which can include but is not limited to disinfection. Water chlorination is a specific method of disinfection that uses chlorine to kill pathogens, but it is just one of many techniques available for achieving disinfection. Thus, the most comprehensive and accurate term specifically focused on pathogen removal is water disinfection.