Water Quality Monitoring

Water Quality Monitoring

Water quality refers to the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of water based on its standards of use. This is most often used with reference to a set of standards corresponding to compliance, which is usually achieved water treatment can be assessed. The most commonly used standards to monitor and evaluate water quality indicate ecosystem health, human contact safety and drinking water conditions. Water quality greatly affects water supply and often determines supply choices.

Standard

In setting standards, agencies make political and technical / scientific decisions based on how water will be used. Natural water bodies will vary in response to environmental conditions in an area such as climate, topography, hydrology and geology. Environmental scientists and aquatic geochemists seek to interpret the environmental parameters and conditions that influence water quality in an area which in turn helps identify the source and fate of contaminants. Environmental lawyers and policymakers seek to define legislation with a view to ensuring that water is maintained at a quality appropriate for its identified use. Another common perception of water quality is the nature of the medium that tells whether water is contaminated or not. In fact, Water quality is a complex subject, in part because water is a complex medium that is intrinsically tied to the ecology, geology, and anthropogenic activities of an area. Industrial and commercial activities (manufacturing, mining, construction, and transportation) are major causes of water pollution such as runoff from agricultural areas, urban runoff and treated and untreated sewage disposal.