Drinking water is very crucial as we cannot function without it. There are ways you can improve the quality of your water, such as filtering it or treating it. Water quality testing is important in order to ensure that the water we drink is safe and free of impurities. There are many different types of water impurities, and each one can pose a different risk to our health. That’s why it’s important to have your water tested regularly by a professional.
There are different types of impurities in water. Iron, Lead and Sodium are some common impurities. Some pollutants are found naturally, and others are manmade. The point of contaminants in the water is that generally if your water has impurities within a limit, it could be considered as drinkable water.
Some of the most common water parameters to be checked are:
1. ALKALINITY
Carbonate, bicarbonate, and hydroxides are significant contributors to water alkalinity, which has indirect relation with the pH of the water. Majorly presence of Bicarbonate alkalinity is considered good for drinking. The higher pH level of water may introduce carbonate and hydroxide in water. It is very much important to understand complex alkalinity in water like Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, and Potassium. High alkaline water may introduce/create acidity problems in the intestine.
2. HARDNESS
Water readily dissolves Calcium and Magnesium from the soil and rocks. Calcium & Magnesium reacts with carbonates, bicarbonates, nitrates, sulfate, chloride, etc to form different complexes. Its reaction with carbonates and bicarbonates will introduce temporary hardness. Reaction with nitrates, sulfate, chloride, etc will create permanent hardness in water. High-hardness water may be one of the crucial reasons for health hazards.
3. CHLORIDE
High chloride gives corrosivity to pipelines which affect the taste of water. Water may taste salty & metallic.
4. IRON
High iron contaminant gives an objectionable taste & color to the water.
5. SULPHATE
High Sulphate in water may support sulfate-reducing bacteria in water. The byproduct of these bacteria may give stink to water and ultimately reflect the taste of water.
6. LEAD
Lead is a natural element that is often found in groundwater and is sometimes found in water supplies. Lead is toxic and can damage the brain and nervous system. Lead can cause problems with intellectual development, behavior, and performance. Lead is found in water, soil, and even paint, crayons or toys.
Water quality testing should be done regardless of the contaminants in the water and the type of water. Impurities in water are created by the natural breakdown of water over time and occur in different amounts depending on the water source. All sources contain impurities at some level, but the water from a clean source will contain fewer impurities than water from a polluted source.