Drinking Water Quality: Criteria for Healthy Water

Physical, Chemical and Microbiological Properties

One of the cornerstones of a healthy life is consuming clean and safe drinking water. The quality of drinking water is of great importance for human health. So, what are the quality standards for drinking water? Here are the details!

What are Drinking Water Quality Standards?

Drinking water quality standards are criteria that determine the physical, chemical and microbiological properties of water. These standards are set by the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Union (EU) and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey. The aim is to ensure that water is clean and safe in a way that does not harm human health.

What are the Physical Properties of Drinking Water?

The physical properties of drinking water are factors that affect the taste, smell and appearance of water. The physical criteria that clean drinking water should have are as follows:

Color: Drinking water should be clear, without turbidity or discoloration.
Odor and taste: The water should have a natural and pleasant taste, with no chlorine or metallic taste.
Turbidity: It should be below 5 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit).
Temperature: Ideally between 7-15°C.

What are the Chemical Properties of Drinking Water?

The chemical composition of water is evaluated in terms of the minerals and potentially harmful substances it contains. Important chemical parameters are as follows:

pH Value: The pH value of drinking water should be between 6.5 and 8.5.
Hardness: The total hardness of the water should be between 5-25 Fr (French hardness).
Heavy Metals: The rate of heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury should be very low.
Nitrate and Nitrite: Nitrate should not exceed 50 mg/L and nitrite should not exceed 0.5 mg/L.
Chlorine Level: The chlorine level used for disinfection should be between 0.2-1 mg/L.

How should the microbiological properties of drinking water be?

Microbiological cleanliness of water is one of the most important criteria for healthy consumption. Microorganisms that should not be present in drinking water are as follows:

Coliform Bacteria: Absolutely not present in 100 ml of water.
Escherichia Coli (E. Coli): This disease-causing bacteria should not be present in drinking water.
Pathogenic Microorganisms: Viruses, parasites and fungi should not be present in drinking water.

How to Protect Drinking Water Quality?

Some precautions should be taken to protect the quality of drinking water:

Mains water should be tested and analyzed regularly.
Water treatment systems should be used and periodically maintained.
Stainless steel or copper pipes should be preferred over plastic and old pipes.
If well water is used, laboratory tests should be carried out regularly.
Drinking water sources should be kept away from waste and pollutants.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Water Quality Analysis. You can also consult us on Environmental Analysis.

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