Water testing and processing is so important because water is very needed and very vulnerable. Water can get contaminated so easily, and if it is, our health is at risk. Various illnesses can spread, it can affect our ecosystems, etc… As much as we need it, we still need to be careful, as it can bring us a totally opposite effect.
There are many standards to assess water quality with. However, the most common standard used, relates to the health of ecosystems, human contact safety and drinking safety. Here are some ways we test water!
Turbidity: Sediment makes water turbid or unclear. Clear water is of better quality. This is tested simply by looking at the water.
Temperature: Warm water has less dissolved oxygen than cold water. If the water does not contain enough oxygen, aquatic animals may die. This can be tested with a thermometer.
Acidity: Water becomes acidic if it contains certain dissolved chemicals, such as sulfuric acid or nitric acid. Most fish cannot reproduce in acidic water. This can be tested with an indicator that turns into different colours in acidic and basic solutions.
Everyday we use water just by turning on a tap, but do you ever wonder how? I mean the water does come from lakes or rivers, but who knows how clean they actually are. Well, here are some steps people take, to make sure the water is fresh and clean to use!
Step 1: Removing large objects. A metal screen covers the end of a pipe that drains water from its source.
Step 2: Water enters a large tank where alum is added. The alum is stirred and forms small, sticky lumps that attract most of the solid waste floating in the water. This waste is called floe.
Step 3: The water and floe enter a settling tank. The water flows slowly to allow the floe to settle at the bottom of tank.
Step 4: The partially cleaned water from the top of the tank moves through a sand Andy charcoal filter.
Step 5: Chlorine or ozone may be added to the water to kill microorganisms.
Step 6: The treated water is stored in sealed containers, ready for use.
Hannah R.L. - Water Systems 