What does 12-10-10 refer to in the context of water treatment?

The designation of 12-10-10 in the context of water treatment specifically relates to the effectiveness of pathogen removal. It indicates a 12 log (or 99.99999999999%) removal of viruses, a 10 log (or 99.9999999%) removal of Cryptosporidium, and a 10 log reduction of Giardia. This quantifies the treatment's ability to eliminate these harmful microorganisms, which is critical for ensuring the safety and potability of drinking water.

Log removal values are essential metrics in water treatment that demonstrate how effectively a treatment process can reduce specific pathogens. A higher log removal indicates greater efficacy against these microorganisms, which is crucial for public health safety. Understanding this metric helps water treatment professionals ensure compliance with regulatory standards for drinking water quality.