why do we measure turbidity in water

Why Do We Measure Turbidity in Water?

Water is a fundamental component of life, and various industries depend on it to make different products we consume daily. With the increasing population, water demand continues to rise, and this results in increased water pollution. Particles and substances like silt, sediment, bacteria, algae, and chemical pollutants are finding their way into water. This deteriorates the quality of water, making it unsafe for consumption and other uses. Therefore, water quality testing becomes an essential aspect of assessing water health. One of the parameters that water chemists measure to ascertain water quality is turbidity. In this article, we will look at why we measure turbidity in water.

What is Turbidity?

Turbidity is the measure of the degree of haziness or cloudiness of water due to the presence of suspended particles, which affects light penetration through water. Turbidity does not necessarily indicate harmful water; however, high levels can indicate the presence of impurities, including pathogens, chemicals, or sediment. Consequently, turbidity measurement is a crucial part of the water testing process.

Why Should We Measure Turbidity?

1. Health and Safety

One of the reasons why we measure turbidity in water is to ascertain the safety of the water we consume. High turbidity levels can result in poor drinking water quality and may act as a reservoir for potentially harmful bacteria and protozoa. These bacteria can have detrimental consequences for health, including stomach disorders and skin irritation. Therefore, measuring turbidity helps ensure that the water is safe for consumption.

2. Environmental health

Excess turbidity can have significant consequences on aquatic life. It can affect the growth and survival of fish and other aquatic life by reducing oxygen levels and increasing the amount of light that is absorbed. Measuring turbidity helps ensure that the water quality is adequate to sustain life.

3. Water treatment processes

Turbidity measurement is essential in the treatment process. Turbidity particles can clog filters, which can subsequently reduce the filtration rate of water. The particles can also bind with chlorine or other disinfectants, thus reducing the effectiveness of the disinfectant component. Measuring turbidity helps water treatment plants optimize the treatment process accurately.

4. Regulatory compliance

The World Health Organization (WHO) and other regulatory bodies have set safety standards for drinking water. Turbidity is a parameter that these safety standards regulate. Measuring turbidity is essential to ensure compliance with these standards and ensure that systems operate within acceptable safety margins.

5. Aesthetic quality

Clean water is visually appealing. Turbidity measurement is vital in dictating high water aesthetic, which prevents consumers from rejecting the water or perceive it negatively.

Conclusion

Turbidity is an essential parameter in the water quality testing process. Water chemists and environmentalists use this parameter to ascertain water safety, health, regulatory compliance, and purification efficiency. High turbidity levels indicate water impurities, such as sediment, harmful pathogens or dangerous chemicals. Therefore, measuring turbidity ensures that water is free from impurities and safe for human consumption and environmental health.