The correct statement about the reaction is:
• HCl is an acid, and Cl⁻ is its conjugate base.
In the reaction \( \text{HCl} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{Cl}^- + \text{H}_3\text{O}^+ \), HCl donates a proton (H⁺) to water (H₂O), making HCl the acid and Cl⁻ the conjugate base. H₂O accepts the proton and becomes H₃O⁺, but it is not classified as an acid in the context of the options provided, as Cl⁻ is derived from the acid, HCl.