Final answer:
The correct answer is B) chlorination. Chlorination is a common method of disinfection used to treat drinking water and has been in use since 1913, playing a critical role in reducing waterborne diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of chlorination to treat drinking water, which began in 1913, reduces the incidence of waterborne diseases. Disinfection is a common water treatment method and involves adding chlorine or another disinfectant to the water to kill bacteria and germs. This practice is considered one of the greatest scientific advancements of the twentieth century and is crucial in ensuring the safety of drinking water supplied to communities.
Common ways to treat water at home or during emergencies include boiling, using household bleach, and employing portable water filters. Water treatment plants typically use a combination of coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to provide safe drinking water to the public. The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 1974 was established to protect public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply.