Water Quality Basics

Water quality is crucial for both human health and the environment. Here are some key aspects to understand about water quality:

• Contaminants: Water can be contaminated by various substances, including chemicals, pathogens, and heavy metals.
• Testing: Regular testing of water is essential to ensure its safety.
• Treatment: Water treatment processes can remove contaminants and improve water quality.

Water Treatment Plant

Key Factors Affecting Water Quality

• Pesticides and Herbicides: These chemicals can enter water sources from agricultural runoff.
• Microbial Contamination: Bacteria, viruses, and parasites can contaminate water sources.
• Industrial Waste: Pollutants from industrial activities can be discharged into water bodies.

Industrial Waste in Water

Water Quality Testing

Water quality testing is vital to identify and monitor contaminants. Common tests include:

• Microbial Testing: To detect bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
• Chemical Testing: To measure levels of pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals.
• Physical Testing: To assess pH levels, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen.

Water Quality Testing Equipment

Water Treatment Processes

Several processes are used to treat water and remove contaminants:

• Filtration: Physical barriers remove particles and sediment from water.
• Chlorination: Chemical disinfection kills pathogens.
• Ozonation: Oxygen gas is used to disinfect water and remove impurities.

Water Treatment Process

For more information on water quality and treatment, visit our Water Quality Resources.