Which of the following desalination plants will always require a sterilizer when providing water to a potable water system?

Correct Answer: Option C — Reverse-osmosis type unit

Reverse-osmosis systems utilize semi-permeable membranes that do not inherently provide thermal sterilization, unlike distillation units (submerged tube or multi-stage flash) which use high temperatures to kill pathogens. Consequently, 46 CFR requires a post-treatment sterilization device, such as a UV lamp or chlorinator, to ensure the permeate meets potable water safety standards.