Final answer:
Water Purification Steps (option C) reduce the risk of drinking water contamination, and include key processes such as flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, aeration, and disinfection, as per the guidelines of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
Step-by-step explanation:
The process that reduces the risk of drinking water contamination is Water Purification Steps (option C). To ensure public health, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) regulates the treatment of the nation's public drinking water supply. Water treatment plants typically employ a series of methods to purify water, including flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, aeration, and disinfection. Additionally, fluoride is added to municipal water to prevent tooth decay. The purpose of these steps is to remove contaminants and potentially harmful organisms, ensuring that the drinking water is safe for consumption. Specifically, disinfection, which can be done using chlorine or other disinfectants, plays a critical role by killing bacteria and germs present in the water before it reaches homes.