Diatomaceous earth filters should be supplemented by what system?

Diatomaceous earth filters are known for their ability to remove particulates and microorganisms from water, making them highly effective in various filtration applications. However, while they can significantly improve water quality, they are not primarily designed to provide long-term disinfection.

A chlorination system is essential for supplementing diatomaceous earth filters because chlorination effectively kills remaining pathogens that may not have been removed during the filtration process. This ensures that the water is not only free of physical impurities but also safe from biological contaminants, thereby providing an elevated level of safety for drinking water and other uses. The use of chlorine also helps to maintain residual disinfection in the distribution system, further protecting against recontamination.

On the other hand, the other options, such as rapid sand filtration, public sewer treatment, and cartridge filtration systems, serve different functions in water treatment and are not primarily focused on the disinfection aspect required to complement diatomaceous earth filters. Thus, a chlorination system is the most appropriate choice to enhance the effectiveness of diatomaceous earth filters in providing safe and clean water.