Abstract: Drinking water disinfection is a critical measure to ensure water quality and protect public health. Since the initial application of chemical disinfectants such as chlorine and ozone, disinfection technologies have continuously evolved to address the dual challenges of controlling waterborne disease transmission and managing the risks associated with disinfection by-products (DBPs). Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection technology is a notable example of this evolution. These advancements have been driven by increasing demands for safer, more effective, and environmentally sustainable water treatment methods, in response to evolving health standards, urbanization, and public concerns over emerging contaminants. This paper reviews the development and application of mainstream disinfection technologies, providing insights into their historical evolution, application proportions, and the advantages and limitations. We examine widely used disinfection methods employing free and combined chlorine, ozone, and ultraviolet (UV) light. In addition to reviewing traditional approaches, we explore the latest research advances and innovative applications of disinfection technologies. Emerging methods include breakpoint chlorination, the use of secondary disinfectants, ozone-chlorine combined disinfection technology, and ozone micro-nanobubble disinfection. Novel UV-based technologies are also gaining traction, such as UV disinfection with various or combined wavelengths, solar water disinfection systems (SODIS), UV side-emitting optical fibers (SEOFs), and UV laser systems. Furthermore, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) employing UV light, nanotechnology-enhanced systems (e.g., nanowire-modified electrodes), and nanospike hydrodynamic disinfection show significant promise. Additional innovative solutions include antibacterial hydrogel disinfection, atmospheric plasma disinfection, and phage-based disinfection technologies, each offering unique mechanisms to inactivate pathogens while minimizing the risks of DBPs. These approaches leverage diverse and often complementary reaction mechanisms, including free radical oxidation, photochemical deactivation, physical disruption, and biological interactions, to achieve efficient microbial inactivation. Through the combination of such mechanisms, these approaches improve disinfection efficiency and mitigate risks such as the formation of harmful DBPs, which are a growing concern with conventional methods. By integrating these technologies, the ability to simultaneously inactivate pathogens and mitigate harmful by-products can be significantly enhanced. To meet the increasingly stringent water quality standards, future research is recommended to prioritize the development of "ideal" disinfection technologies featured by high efficacy, environmental sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. This includes innovating new materials and equipment and tailoring disinfection methods to local conditions and water characteristics. Interdisciplinary collaboration will be crucial in advancing both theoretical and practical aspects of disinfection. Collectively, these advancements will push drinking water disinfection technologies toward safer and more sustainable practices, significantly enhancing the overall quality and safety of drinking water worldwide.