Domestic Water Analysis: Determining Water Quality

What are the Control Parameters of Domestic Water? Water for Use in Food Establishments...

What is Domestic Water?

Domestic water is water supplied for domestic, commercial and industrial purposes. This is water that is used for various purposes other than drinking, such as cleaning, cooking, industrial use, irrigation, etc. Water for use may often have different water quality standards than drinking water, but it still has to meet certain health and hygienic requirements.

Determining the Quality of Domestic Water

The quality of water for use determines whether the water is suitable for health in terms of physical, chemical and microbiological parameters. Water quality can be assessed according to different requirements, from its use as drinking water to cleaning and industrial use.

The main parameters considered in domestic water analysis are as follows:

1. Physical Parameters: Physical analysis evaluates the visible properties and general physical condition of water. These parameters include:

Color: Water should be clean and clear. Color indicates whether the water is contaminated with organic or inorganic substances.
Turbidity: The water should not be cloudy or dirty. Turbidity indicates that there are undissolved substances in the water.
Taste and Odor: Water should lack a pleasant taste and smell, unpleasant odors indicate that the water is contaminated.
Temperature: Water temperature can vary according to the requirements of the area where it is used. Temperature can affect the chemical and biological processes of water.

2. Chemical Parameters: Chemical analysis determines the presence and amount of dissolved substances in the water. These parameters include the following:

pH Value: Indicates whether the water is acidic or basic. pH is important for water conservation and chemical reactions.
Heavy Metals: Detection of heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic is critical for health.
Oxygen Demand: Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) parameters determine the organic matter content of water.
Sodium and Chloride: Excessive presence of these compounds can reduce water quality.
Nitrate and Nitrite: These compounds from agricultural activities can contaminate water and are harmful to human health.

3. Microbiological Parameters: Microbiological analyses determine the presence and number of microorganisms in water. These analyzes are particularly important for drinking water. Microbiological parameters include the following:

Coliform Bacteria: The presence of coliform bacteria, which are unsafe for drinking water, indicates that the water is contaminated.
E. Coli: This bacteria indicates that the water is dangerous for human health.
Enterococci: These bacterial species, which are indicators of fecal pollution, determine that the water is unfit for human health.

Monitoring and Management of Domestic Water Quality

Regular monitoring of domestic water quality ensures safe and healthy water use. This monitoring can be done as follows:

Regular Tests: Chemical, physical and microbiological tests should be conducted at regular intervals to monitor water quality.
Water Treatment Systems: Various water treatment technologies (filtration, ozonation, UV light, chlorination, etc.) can be used to treat contaminated water.
Control of Pollution Sources: Pollution from agricultural areas or industrial facilities can adversely affect water quality. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor and control pollution sources.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Domestic Water Analysis. We also provide services in Well Water Analysis.

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