Why is it important to monitor turbidity in drinking water systems?

Monitoring turbidity in drinking water systems is essential primarily because it can shield pathogens from disinfection. Turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by suspended particles, which can include microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. When water has high turbidity levels, these particles can provide a protective barrier that prevents disinfectants, such as chlorine, from effectively reaching and inactivating the pathogens.

This is crucial for ensuring the safety of drinking water, as inadequate disinfection due to high turbidity can lead to waterborne diseases. Therefore, maintaining low turbidity levels is a key aspect of water quality management to ensure that disinfection processes are effective and that public health is protected.

While the other options address various aspects of water quality, they do not highlight the direct implications of turbidity on disinfection efficacy as effectively as the chosen answer does.