Disinfectants are chemicals that kill or sterilize pathogens including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other microbes.
When water is stored in tanks or other containers for an extended period of time, many organisms begin to develop on the bottom of the container and contaminate the water.
Molds, algae, slime bacteria, and other organisms can cause these diseases.
Water with a foul odor may result from long-term storage.
In water treatment facilities today, a variety of compounds are added to water to treat this contaminated water and remove pathogens.
Chlorine is used to disinfect water for a variety of uses, including drinking water and water for swimming pools.
Bacteria and other pathogens in water are eliminated by chlorine.
Molds, algae, slime bacteria, and other water-borne organisms are also treated by chlorine.
In order to disinfect water for all uses, chlorine is the non-metal needed.
Final Answer:
Chlorine is a non-metal which is used to disinfect the water.