when testing water what water quality indicators

When Testing Water: What Water Quality Indicators Do Scientists Often Look At?

Water is critical for life, and it is essential that the water we drink is safe and free from contaminants. The quality of water is determined by its physical, chemical, and biological properties. These properties are assessed by scientists to determine water quality, and there are specific water quality indicators to determine whether water is safe for consumption. This article aims to provide insight into the various water quality indicators that scientists use to determine water safety.

Water Quality Indicators:

There are several water quality indicators that scientists use to evaluate water safety. These are:

1. pH Level:

The pH level indicates the level of acidity or alkalinity of water on a scale of 1-14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, and a pH below 7 indicates acidity, while a pH above 7 indicates alkalinity. The pH of drinking water should be between 6.5 and 8.5.

2. Turbidity:

Turbidity refers to the measure of the cloudiness of water caused by suspended particles. It is measured in nephelometric turbidity units (NTUs). High turbidity levels can indicate the presence of bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens.

3. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS):

Total dissolved solids refer to the total amount of inorganic and organic substances present in water. The measurement is usually expressed in milligrams per liter (mg/l). The recommended TDS level for drinking water should be less than 500mg/l.

4. Chlorine Residual:

Chlorine is added to water as a disinfectant to kill harmful pathogens. Chlorine residual refers to the amount of chlorine remaining in the water after disinfection. The recommended level of chlorine residual should be between 0.5 and 1.5 mg/l.

5. Escherichia coli (E. coli):

E. coli bacteria are commonly found in human and animal feces. They are an indicator of fecal contamination, which can contain harmful pathogens. The presence of E. coli in water indicates the water is contaminated and not safe for consumption.

Testing Water Quality Indicators:

The above water quality indicators are tested in a laboratory setting to determine if water is safe for consumption. The following is a brief overview of how each of these indicators is tested:

1. pH Level:

The pH level is measured by dipping a pH strip into a water sample, and then the strip's color is compared with a chart to find the corresponding pH level.

2. Turbidity:

Turbidity levels can be measured using a turbidimeter, which measures the amount of light scattered as it passes through the water.

3. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS):

TDS levels can be measured using a TDS meter, which measures the electrical conductivity of the water. The higher the conductivity, the greater the presence of dissolved solids.

4. Chlorine Residual:

Chlorine levels can be measured using a colorimeter, which measures the amount of light absorbed by the water after a specific chemical reaction.

5. Escherichia coli (E. coli):

E. coli bacteria can be detected through the use of coliform tests that are available in most laboratories. The coliform test involves analyzing a water sample for the presence of bacteria that are commonly found in the digestive tract of humans and animals.

Importance of Water Quality Indicators:

Water quality indicators play a crucial role in ensuring that water is safe for consumption. By measuring these indicators, scientists and regulatory bodies can determine possible health risks associated with drinking water. The indicators also help water treatment facilities determine if their treatment processes are effective in removing contaminants.

Conclusion:

Water quality indicators are essential in ensuring that we have access to safe drinking water. By monitoring and measuring these indicators, scientists can determine whether water is safe for human consumption. The indicators also help regulate water treatment facilities to ensure that their treatment processes are effective in removing contaminants. Therefore, it is crucial to continue monitoring and regulating water quality to ensure that we have access to clean and safe drinking water.