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Water Supply Analysis

Regardless of whether a water supply is used for drinking or agriculture, analysis is needed to determine its quality. There are several types of analysis performed on water supplies. These analyses can be categorized by physical, chemical and biological parameters.

  1. Physical

    • Since water is the only natural substance available in all three physical states, it is constantly in flux. Physical properties analyzed include pH, conductivity and turbidity just to name a few. Conductivity and pH helps detect nutrient composition. Turbidity relates to color and sediment concentration.

    Chemical

    • A chemical analysis of water determines nutrient, pollutant and toxic constituents and concentrations. These constituents are important to monitor, considering some, including arsenic and trihalomethanes, can cause cancer. The EPA has set maximum levels of how much of these constituents can be present in the water without harming humans, wildlife, and fish.

    Biological

    • Biological analysis is needed to determine the presence of living microscopic organisms in water. Algae, fungi, worms and insects are natural components found in water. Additionally, fecal coliforms, viruses, bacteria and certain protozoa are of significant concern because they can cause outbreaks of water-borne illnesses.

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