Introduction
Water quality parameters are crucial indicators used to assess the suitability and safety of
water for various purposes, including drinking, industrial processes, agriculture, and
recreational activities. These parameters help identify potential health risks, environmental
impacts, and economic consequences associated with water usage. Monitoring water quality
ensures compliance with regulatory standards, protects public health, and preserves
ecosystems.
Classification of Water
Based on Source
1. Groundwater : Water stored beneath the Earth's surface in aquifers, accessed through
wells or boreholes.
2. Surface Water : Water collected from rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and oceans.
Based on Quality
1. Potable Water (Safe for Drinking)
a. Meets or exceeds regulatory standards (e.g., WHO, EPA).
b. Free from harmful contaminants and pathogens.
c. Suitable for human consumption.
2. Palatable Water (Aesthetically Pleasing)
a. Meets sensory standards (taste, odor, color, temperature).
b. May not meet potable water standards.
c. Suitable for non-potable purposes (e.g., irrigation, washing).
3. Contaminated Water (Polluted)
a. Contains harmful substances (chemical, physical, biological).
b. Exceeds regulatory standards.
c. May pose health risks or environmental harm.
4. Infected Water (Containing Pathogenic Organisms)
a. Contains disease-causing microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites).
b. Poses significant health risks to humans and animals.
c. Requires immediate treatment or disinfection.
Additional Classifications
o Raw Water : Untreated water from natural sources.
o Treated Water : Water that has undergone physical, chemical, or biological
processes to improve quality.
o Reclaimed Water : Treated wastewater suitable for non-potable purposes.
o Alkaline Water : Water with a pH level above 7, often considered beneficial for
health.
Water Quality Parameters
o Physical parameters : pH, temperature, turbidity, conductivity.
o Chemical parameters : dissolved oxygen, BOD, COD, nutrient levels.
o Biological parameters : coliform bacteria, pathogens, algae.
Physical Parameters
1) Temperature: Ideal range 15-25°C (59-77°F)
a) Affects metabolic rates, dissolved oxygen levels, and aquatic life.
2) Turbidity: Ideal range 0-5 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units)
a) Measures suspended particles, affecting light penetration and aquatic life.
3) Color: Ideal range 0-15 Hazen units
a) Measures visible color, affected by dissolved organic matter or pollutants.
4) Taste and Odor: Ideal range agreeable
a) Affects aesthetic quality, influenced by foreign substances.
Chemical Parameters
1) pH: Ideal range 6.5-8.5
a) Measures acidity/alkalinity, influencing chemical reactions and aquatic life.
2) Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): Ideal range 500-2000 mg/L
a) Measures dissolved minerals, salts, and metals.
3) Chloride: Ideal range 250-1000 mg/L
a) Measures chloride ions, indicating pollution or seawater intrusion.
4) Fluoride: Ideal range 1-1.5 mg/L
a) Essential for dental health, but toxic in excess.
5) Nitrogen: Ideal range varies by form (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate)
a) Measures organic pollution, affecting aquatic life.
6) Iron: Ideal range 0.3 mg/L
a) Affects taste, odor, and corrosion.
7) Hardness: Ideal range varies by location (calcium and magnesium ions)
a) Causes scaling or soap scum.
Biological Parameters
1. Bacteria: Ideal range absent in 100 ml (E. coli, coliforms)
a. Indicates contamination, posing health risks.
2. Viruses: Ideal range absent
a. Poses health risks.
3. Algae: Ideal range varies by type and location
a. Affects aquatic life and treatment.
4. Protozoa: Ideal range absent
a. Indicates contamination.
Drinking Water Quality Standards
(As per IS 10500: 2012 and WHO guidelines)
o Physical Parameters : color, odor, taste, turbidity
o Chemical Parameters : pH, TDS, chloride, fluoride, iron, nitrate
o Biological Parameters : E. coli, coliforms
International Standards
(As per WHO guidelines)
o pH : no health-based guideline value
o Nitrate : 50 mg/L
o Nitrite : 3 mg/L
o Ammonia : 1.5 mg/L
o Chlorine : 5 mg/L
o Fluoride : 1.5 mg/L
o Arsenic : 0.01 mg/L
o Cadmium : 0.003 mg/L
o Lead : 0.01 mg/L
o Mercury : 0.006 mg/L
Disposal Standards (Wastewater)
(As per Environmental Protection Act 1986)
o Color and Odor : small as possible
o Suspended Solids : 100-600 mg/L
o pH : 5.5-9
o Oil and Grease : 10-20 mg/L
o Total Residual Chlorine : 1 mg/L
o BOD : 30-350 mg/L
o COD : 250 mg/L
o Iron : 3 mg/L
These standards ensure water safety for:
1. Human consumption
2. Aquatic life
3. Environmental protection
