What is the purpose of water treatment in a ship's water supply system?

The primary purpose of water treatment in a ship's water supply system is to ensure that the water is safe for drinking. Ships must provide potable water to their crew and passengers, and treating water helps eliminate harmful contaminants, pathogens, and impurities that could pose health risks. This process may involve various treatments such as filtration, disinfection (often using methods like chlorination or ultraviolet light), and removal of specific impurities. Ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water is crucial for preventing waterborne illnesses and maintaining the well-being of everyone on board.

The other options do not align with the primary function of water treatment. While making water available for ballast is an important function of the ship's water system, it is unrelated to water treatment aimed at ensuring potability. Enhancing the taste of water can be a benefit of treatment, but it is not the primary purpose, nor is it typically emphasized over safety. Increasing pressure in water pipes is a function of the system's design and operation, rather than a goal of the water treatment process itself. The focus of water treatment specifically targets the health and safety of the water supply.