Water quality

Water Quality

Water quality (/ˈwɔːtər ˈkwɒlɪti/) refers to the chemical, physical, biological, and radiological characteristics of water. It is a measure of the condition of water relative to the requirements of one or more biotic species and or to any human need or purpose. It is most frequently used by reference to a set of standards against which compliance, generally achieved through treatment of the water, can be assessed. The most common standards used to assess water quality relate to health of ecosystems, safety of human contact, and drinking water.

Etymology

The term "water quality" comes from the English words "water" and "quality". "Water" is derived from the Old English "wæter", from Proto-Germanic "*watōr", and from Proto-Indo-European "*wódr̥". "Quality" comes from the Latin "qualitas", meaning "character" or "nature".

Related Terms

Potable Water: Water that is safe enough for drinking and food preparation.
Contaminant: Any physical, chemical, biological or radiological substance or matter in water.
Water Treatment: The process of making water more acceptable for end-use, such as drinking, industry, and medicine.
Waterborne Diseases: Diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms that are transmitted in water.
Water Pollution: The contamination of water bodies, usually as a result of human activities.
Water Quality Standards: The legal standards or guidelines set to protect the quality of water bodies and groundwater.