World Water Day 2020
World Water Day 2020 emphasises how climate change affects water and increases the occurrence of natural disasters. Read to find out more!
Water Quality Indicator | ||||
Turbidity | Colour | Total coliform | Escherichia coli | pH value |
Turbidity (cloudiness of water) is caused by colloidal matter or suspended particles that block light transmission through the water.
High turbidity is often associated with the presence of biological contamination, due to the tendencies of bacteria and pathogens adhering to the surface of solid particles.
Turbidity also creates a challenge for water treatment methods, such as solar disinfection (SODIS), boiling or chemicals that aim to destroy microbes.
Turbidity can indicate: Physical and Biological contamination
Total coliforms include bacteria that are commonly found in soil; in water that has been influenced by surface water and in human/animal waste.
The presence of total coliform bacteria shows that the water could be contaminated by environmental factors such as soil and dirt, with a likely presence of pathogens being present in the water.
Total Coliform indicate: Biological contamination
E.coli is a type of faecal coliform (bacteria) commonly found in the intestines of people and animals. E.coli is the best indicator of faecal pollution because it is generally not found in the environment.
As study by the World Health Organization (2018) shows that that at least 2 billion people are drinking from water sources at risk of faecal contamination. The presence of E.coli indicate an increased likelihood of the presence of pathogenic bacteria which is harmful to the body.
E.coli can indicate: Biological contamination
pH value shows how acidic or alkaline the water is. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, consuming excessively alkaline or acidic water is harmful to our health.
Water with low pH (acidic, below 6.5) is corrosive and may contain dissolved heavy metals which will cause adverse health effects. Water with a high pH (alkaline, above 8.5) indicates that a high level of alkaline minerals is present.
Water that is slightly alkaline does not seem to pose a health risk, but it can affect the taste and appearance of the water. For your further knowledge and information, here is everything you need know about alkaline water.
pH value can indicate: Chemical contamination
World Water Day 2020 emphasises how climate change affects water and increases the occurrence of natural disasters. Read to find out more!
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