Unraveling the Mystery of Turbidity in Raw Water
What is turbidity and why is it important to measure the turbidity of raw water? Turbidity of raw water is a measure of the amount of suspended particles present in the water. These particles can be anything from clay, silt, organic matter, plankton, and even pollutants. Measuring turbidity is essential for determining the safety of raw water, as high turbidity levels can indicate the presence of harmful pathogens or other pollutants.
Why Is Turbidity Important?
Turbidity is important to measure because it can give insight into the quality and safety of the water. When raw water has high turbidity levels, it can be an indication of impurities or pollutants. These can include bacteria, viruses, organic and inorganic matter, and other contaminants. The higher the turbidity, the more likely it is that the water is unsafe for drinking or other uses.
Turbidity also affects the taste and odor of the water. When the turbidity levels are high, the water has a cloudy or murky appearance, which can make it unappealing to drink. High turbidity can also give the water an unpleasant taste and smell.
How Is Turbidity Measured?
Turbidity is typically measured using a turbidity meter. This device shines a light at the water sample and measures the amount of light that is scattered or absorbed by the particles in the water. The more particles there are, the higher the turbidity reading will be.
Turbidity is measured in units called nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). The EPA has set a recommended limit of 5 NTU for drinking water, which is relatively low.
How Can Turbidity Be Reduced?
If the turbidity of raw water is too high, there are several ways to reduce it. The most common method is to use a sediment filter, which will filter out any suspended particles in the water. This can include larger particles like sand and silt, as well as smaller particles like plankton.
Other methods of reducing turbidity include using chemical coagulants, such as aluminum sulfate, to bind the particles together and allowing them to settle out. Ultraviolet light can also be used to kill any harmful bacteria or viruses in the water.
Conclusion
Turbidity of raw water is a measure of the amount of suspended particles present in the water. It is important to measure turbidity in order to determine the safety of the water, as high turbidity levels can indicate the presence of harmful pathogens or other pollutants. Turbidity is typically measured using a turbidity meter, and the EPA has set a recommended limit of 5 NTU for drinking water. If the turbidity of raw water is too high, it can be reduced using sediment filters, chemical coagulants, or ultraviolet light.