Water Quality

Template:Infobox Water Quality Water quality refers to the chemical, physical, biological, and radiological characteristics of water. It is a measure of the condition of water relative to the requirements of one or more biotic species and or to any human need or purpose. It is most frequently used by reference to a set of standards against which compliance, generally achieved through treatment of the water, can be assessed. The most common standards used to assess water quality relate to health of ecosystems, safety of human contact, and drinking water.

Overview

Water quality is determined by assessing three classes of attributes: chemical, physical, and biological. Chemical attributes include pH, dissolved oxygen, and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus); physical attributes include temperature, sediment, and turbidity; biological attributes include the diversity and number of microorganisms.

Importance of Water Quality

Water quality is important not only to protect public health but also to support and maintain healthy ecosystem functions. Poor water quality can kill aquatic life and reduce water usability for drinking, food preparation, and other essential human activities.

Factors Affecting Water Quality

Several factors affect water quality including agricultural runoff, pollution discharge, water treatment processes, natural filtering processes, and the presence of contaminants such as heavy metals.

Pollution

Pollution is one of the most harmful influences on water quality. Sources of water pollution include:

• Industrial waste
• Agricultural runoff
• Urban runoff
• Contaminated stormwater

Natural Processes

Natural processes can also affect water quality. These include:

• Volcanic activity
• Atmospheric deposition
• Natural erosion

Regulation and Standards

The regulation of water quality varies significantly by jurisdiction, and standards set by national or international bodies are implemented to maintain or improve water quality. In the United States, the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act are two of the primary regulatory frameworks.

Monitoring and Assessment

Monitoring water quality is critical for assessing the health of water bodies and for ensuring compliance with various standards. Techniques include both in-situ testing and remote monitoring.

Challenges

Challenges to maintaining water quality include:

• Lack of adequate infrastructure
• Increasing population pressure
• Climate change impacts
• Cross-border water management issues

Future Directions

Advancements in technology and increased public awareness are leading to more sophisticated water quality management practices. Integrated water resource management practices are being adopted to help maintain and improve water quality.

See also

• Water pollution
• Environmental standards
• Ecosystem health
• Water treatment