How to Monitor Water Quality

It is crucial to observe the quality of water to avoid the spread of waterborne diseases and contamination of water for human consumption, aquatic life, and recreational activities. It is used for monitoring contamination, evaluating the efficiency of water treatment processes, and meeting the legal requirements. Here’s an overview of how to monitor water quality:

1. Determine the critical water quality parameters

• Physical Parameters:
  • Turbidity: Measures the turbidity of water because of particles that are suspended in the water.
  • Temperature: Affects chemical and biological reactions in water.
  • Color and Odor: Checks the appearance and smell of the food, which may reveal signs of contamination.
• Chemical Parameters:
  • pH Level: Expresses the degree of acidity or alkalinity of water.
  • Conductivity: Determines the capacity of water to carry electric current, associated with dissolved salts and minerals.
  • Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): Measures the amount of dissolved substances in a given solution.
  • Nutrients: Tests for nitrogen (nitrates, nitrites, ammonia) and phosphorus.
  • Dissolved Oxygen (DO): Essential for aquatic life.
  • Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD): Express the concentration of organic compounds in water.
• Biological Parameters:
  • Total Coliforms and E. coli: An indicator of the presence of bacteria found in fecal matter.
  • Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC): Counts the total number of live bacteria.
  • Algal and Phytoplankton Analysis: Measures the amount of algae and phytoplankton present in a given water sample.

2. Develop a Monitoring Plan

• Frequency: Decide how frequently water quality should be checked (daily, weekly, monthly) depending on the regulation and the source of water.
• Locations: Determine the areas to sample in order to obtain a fair evaluation of the water quality.
• Methods: Select proper techniques and tools for sampling and analyzing water samples.

3. Sample Collection and Handling

• Use Sterilized Containers: To prevent contamination.
• Proper Storage: Samples should be stored at low temperatures and delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible.
• Chain of Custody: Document the process of sample collection, handling, and analysis in order to minimize errors and maximize accuracy.

4. Conduct Laboratory Analysis

• Physical Tests: Determine the turbidity, temperature, color, and smell.
• Chemical Tests: Determine the pH, conductivity, TDS, nutrients, DO, COD, and BOD.
• Biological Tests: Test for coliform bacteria, E. coli, HPC, and algae/phytoplankton.

5. Data Analysis and Reporting

• Comparison to Standards: Compare the test results with the current water quality standards and recommendations (WHO, EPA, local requirements).
• Assessment: Determine if the water is safe for its intended use. Determine any possible health hazards or environmental issues that may be associated with the site.
• Reporting: Provide a comprehensive water quality report that outlines the procedures followed, findings, analysis, and recommendations for further action if required.

6. Recommendations and Actions

• Treatment Solutions: Provide recommendations for the treatment of specific contaminants that have been identified (e.g., filtration, disinfection).
• Source Control: Suggest ways to avoid pollution in the first place, including better handling of wastewater and controlling soil erosion.
• Monitoring Plan: Suggest how often the water quality should be monitored to capture variations in the water quality over time.

Conclusion

Water quality surveillance entails the evaluation of physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water to determine its quality for different purposes. Through the systematic sampling, testing, analysis, and application of results, water quality can be sustained and enhanced to safeguard the health of the public and the environment.