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What is Water Quality
Interestingly, what is water quality for one person isn't water quality for another. It seems different people have different notions of what constitutes clean water. That's part of the reason you seem some people drinking bottled water, some people filtering water before drinking or bathing in it, and others drinking and using water right out of the tap without filtering it at all. If water quality is important to you, then testing it so you know what's in your water, and then filtering to reduce its pollutants, are important steps for you to take.
What and do you think about the water quality in your area? Do you even know what goes into determining the quality of water? What is water quality? You may be surprised to learn what impurities may be found in your water. In fact, these impurities may even be potentially life threatening in some cases. That is why it is important to arm yourself with knowledge so that you can help to make your water healthier for you and your family.
What is water quality?
Water quality is measured and regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA has regulations that help limit the amount of contaminants in the water. Drinking water is of high concern to the EPA, but they are also concerned with all water sources, including lakes, rivers, and the oceans, because the water quality can impact many different facets of the environment, including animals, crops, and more.
Understanding about water quality means that you have to also understand that there are safe parameters that the EPA sets that allows some impurities to be in your water that you use in your home. These levels are considered safe by the EPA for humans. It is also important to understand that you will find many different interpretations of these safe values by many different sources. That is why it is essential that you do your own research so that you can find the information that you feel is most important for you and your family.
How is water quality measured?
There are different things that are taken into consideration when measuring the quality of the water. These things that are measured include:
- Conductivity
- Dissolved Oxygen
- Total Suspended Solids
- Color of Water
- Odor and Taste of Water
- pH
- Chemical Oxygen Demand
- Turbidity
- Microorganisms (this includes Giardia, E-coli, and cryptosporidium)
- Nutrients (this will include fertilizers that include phosphates and nitrates)
- Dissolved Metals, Metalloids, and Other Organic Materials
- Heavy Metals
- Pesticides
- Temperature
In most cases, these things can be easily measured at the source of the water, but a few of the measurements include taking a sample of the water and then taking it to a laboratory to run the proper tests. Some of this testing can be quite expensive so it is important that you make the decision to test your own water carefully.
What water quality is and how it is measured and regulated should mean quite a bit to you and your family. If you consider how much contact that you have with water each day, including washing clothes, taking a shower, and ingesting water in drinks and in food that you eat, then you should put quite a bit of thought and effort into the quality of your water. If you do, you will find that you may need to take some precautions about the water that you drink, including using water filters in your home, etc. Learn more about the water quality in your area so that you can make the best decision regarding you and your family.
