Final answer:
Deionization water treatment systems carry risks such as the potential presence of harmful bacteria, heavy metals, organic pollutants, and increased sodium content. Chlorine disinfectants may not eliminate all pathogens and can cause irritation, while UV disinfection doesn't remove dissolved or particulate matter. Adequate treatment selection is crucial to address specific water contaminants.
Step-by-step explanation:
The risks associated with a deionization (D.I) water treatment system include the potential presence of harmful contaminants such as bacteria, heavy metals, or organic pollutants. These pollutants can include substances like pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and pesticides. D.I water treatment does not inherently remove these substances. Moreover, while D.I removes ions from the water, it could increase the sodium content, which may be a concern for people with sodium-restricted diets. Another risk is related to disinfection: chlorine compounds used for disinfecting water can sometimes irritate the skin, nose, or eyes and may not always effectively eliminate certain resilient organisms, such as the parasite Cryptosporidium. Alternatives like UV disinfection can efficiently reduce parasites and bacteria, but it does not remove dissolved organics, inorganic compounds, or particles. Therefore, the selected treatment system must adequately address the specific contaminants present in the water source.