Water is a necessary aspect of life. Humans need it, plants need it, and animals need water to survive. What contributes to the water quality that we consume? Turbidity, Alkalinity, nitrates, phosphates, DOC, conductivity, temperature, pH and even ecoli. What do these components have to do with water quality?
Turbidity is just a facy word for dirty water. It isnt healthy to consume unclean water. This might remind you of the Ohio River. Often, a transparency tube is used to measure the total amount of sedement suspended in the water. Toxic chemicals from factories contribute to turbidity, however they are not know of until after years of being in the environment.
Alkalinity is the water's ability to neutralize acids. If the water has a low alkalinity, then the water is acidic.This also goes with pH. When water reacts with CO2 it creates carbonic acid.
Nitrates are the primary plant nutrient. Phosphates are in fertilizers this is a source for eutrophication. Eutrophication often occurs from fertilizers and raw sewage in very high levels produce a large amount of nitrate. This can happen when algae dies, decays, and reduces the Dissolved Oxygen Content (DOC).
Temperature is important in other ways too. If there are rapid temperature change, it can stress aquatic organisms.
Water conducts electricity because most water in our area is hard. Hard water means that the water contains elements that conduct electricity such as, salt, magnesium, and calcium.
One of the terrible causes of poor water quality is ecoli. Escherichia coli (ecoli) is a form of bacteria found in the intestines of warm blooded animals. This can cause kidney damage and diarrhea. Clean water is a vital aspect of human life and in society. Without these delecate balances, society can not thrive.
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