WATER

CHARACTERISTICS
AND DRINKING
WATER QUALITY
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Buenavista, John Edrin Pinton, Aeron Solamillo, David Joshua

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 The suitability of water for
different purposes is determined
by its quality parameters.
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Water Quality can be classified into:
1. Potable Water
It is safe to drink, and usable for domestic
purposes.

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Water Quality can be classified into:
1. Potable Water
It is safe to drink, and usable for domestic
purposes.

2. Palatable Water
It is esthetically pleasing; it considers the
presence of chemicals that do not cause a
threat to human health

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Water Quality can be classified into:
1. Potable Water
It is safe to drink, and usable for domestic
purposes.

2. Palatable Water
It is esthetically pleasing; it considers the
presence of chemicals that do not cause a
threat to human health
3. Contaminated Water
It is that water containing unwanted physical,
chemical, biological, or radiological substances,
and it is unfit for drinking or domestic use.
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Water Quality can be classified into:
1. Potable Water
It is safe to drink, and usable for domestic
purposes.

2. Palatable Water
It is esthetically pleasing; it considers the
presence of chemicals that do not cause a
threat to human health
3. Contaminated Water
It is that water containing unwanted physical,
chemical, biological, or radiological substances,
and it is unfit for drinking or domestic use.
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4. Infected Water
It is contaminated with pathogenic organism.
Quantity = Quality

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 Characteristics of Water

● Water is referred to as the ‘universal solvent’

● Water never occurs in its pure form.
● All waters contain some dissolved substances.
● The quality of water is determined by these substances.
WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS

Physical Chemical Biological Organoleptic

Properties Properties Properties Properties
 Physical Properties

Temperature

Color

Odor

Turbidity
Electrical
Conductivity
Solids
 Physical Properties

• Most people find water at temperatures of 10-15°C most

Temperature
palatable
Color • It affects the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water
• Life cycles of aquatic organisms are often related to
Odor
changes in temperature.

Turbidity
Electrical
Conductivity
Solids
 Physical Properties

• Materials decayed from organic matter impart color to

Temperature water, which is objectionable for esthetic reasons, not for
health reasons.
Color
• Color is measured by comparing the water sample with
standard color solutions or colored glass disks.
Odor
• The color of a water sample can be reported as follows:
Turbidity
Apparent color is the entire water sample color.
Electrical True color is measured after filtering the water sample
Conductivity to remove all suspended material.

Solids
 Physical Properties

• Can be caused by foreign matter such as organic,

Temperature inorganic or dissolved gasses.
• The numerical value of odor/taste is determined
Color quantitively by measuring a volume of sample A and
diluting it with a volume of sample B of an odor-free
distilled water so that the odor of the resulting mixture is
Odor
just detectable at a total mixture volume of 200 mL.
TON or TTN = (A+B)/ A
Turbidity
where TON is the threshold odor number and
Electrical TTN is the threshold taste number
Conductivity
Solids
 Physical Properties

Temperature
• Is the cloudiness of water
Color • A measure of the ability of light to pass through water
• Caused by suspended materials such as clay, silt, organic
Odor material, plankton, and other particulate materials in water
• Measured in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU’s)
Turbidity
Electrical
Conductivity
Solids
 Physical Properties

• Ability of substance to conduct an electrical current

Temperature
• One of the main important parameters used to determine
the suitability of water for irrigation and firefighting
Color • Unit of measurement: milliSiemens/m (mS/m)
• Ultra-pure water: 5.5x10-6 S/m
Odor
• Drinking water: 0.005-0.05 S/m

Turbidity • Seawater: 5 S/m

Electrical
Conductivity
Solids
 Physical Properties

Temperature • Solids occur in water either in solution or in suspension

• Total Solid (TS) = Total dissolved solid (TDS) +
Color Total suspended solid (TSS)

Odor Freshwater: <1500 mg/L TDS

Brackish water: 1500-5000 mg/L TDS
Turbidity Saline water: >5000 mg/L TDS
Electrical
Conductivity The residue of TSS and TDS after heating to dryness for a
defined period of time at a specific temperature is defined
Solids as fixed solids. Volatile solids are those that are lost on
ignition
 Freshwater: <1500 mg/L TDS
Physical Properties
Brackish water: 1500-5000 mg/L TDS
Saline water: >5000 mg/L TDS

The residue of TSS and TDS after heating to dryness for a

Temperature defined period of time at a specific temperature is defined
as fixed solids. Volatile solids are those that are lost on
Color ignition

These measures are helpful to the operators of the

Odor wastewater treatment plant because they roughly approx.
the amount of organic matter existing in the total solids of
Turbidity wastewater, activated sludge, and industrial wastes.

Electrical
Conductivity
Solids
WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS

Physical Chemical Biological Organoleptic

Properties Properties Properties Properties
 Chemical Properties

pH

Dissolved Oxygen

Major ions
Trace elements
Hardness
Biochemical oxygen demand

Chemical oxygen demand

 Chemical Properties

• One of the most important parameters of water quality

pH
• A dimensionless number indicating the strength of an
acidic or a basic solution
Dissolved Oxygen
• Negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration
Major ions • Acidic water contains extra hydrogen ions (H+)
• Basic water contains extra hydroxyl (OH-1) ions
Trace elements
• pH of 6.5 – 8 are safe ranges for drinking water
Hardness • Two methods: electrometric and colorimetric
Biochemical oxygen demand

Chemical oxygen demand

 Chemical Properties

• One of the most important parameters of water quality in

pH streams, rivers and lakes.
• The higher the concentration of dissolved oxygen, the
Dissolved Oxygen better the water quality.
Major ions • Diffusion and Photosynthesis

Trace elements
Hardness
Biochemical oxygen demand

Chemical oxygen demand

 Chemical Properties

Major Cations (+)

pH
• Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium
Dissolved Oxygen
Water hardness:
Major ions Calcium and magnesium contribute to water hardness,
which can affect soap lathering and cause scaling in pipes.
Trace elements
Taste and conductivity
Hardness
Biochemical oxygen demand

Chemical oxygen demand

 Chemical Properties

Major Anions (-)

pH
• Bicarbonate, Chloride, Sulfate and Nitrate
Dissolved Oxygen
Alkalinity and conductivity: Bicarbonate contributes to
Major ions water alkalinity, while other anions influence conductivity.
Health concerns: High nitrate levels can be harmful to
Trace elements infants, and some other anions can indicate potential
pollution sources.
Hardness
Biochemical oxygen demand

Chemical oxygen demand

 Chemical Properties

• Play a significant role in the use of water

pH
• Some are essential elements for health and growth
Dissolved Oxygen • Some are health hazards
• Deficiency or excess intake of some of these elements
Major ions may cause serious health problems

Trace elements
Hardness
Biochemical oxygen demand

Chemical oxygen demand

 Chemical Properties

• A term used to express the properties of highly

pH mineralized waters
• Calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) ions cause the
Dissolved Oxygen greatest portion of hardness in naturally occurring waters.
They enter water mainly from contact with soil and rock,
Major ions particularly limestone deposits.
• Generally, groundwater is harder than surface water
Trace elements
• Two types of hardness: Temporary and Permanent
Hardness • 300mg/L  generally considered as hard
Biochemical oxygen demand • >150mg/L  noticed by most people
• 75 mg/L  soft
Chemical oxygen demand
• Up to 500mg/L  safe from health viewpoint; laxative
effect when exceeds
 Chemical Properties

pH

Dissolved Oxygen
• Indicates the microorganisms’ need for oxygen to
Major ions decompose organic materials present in the water
Trace elements • A way to measure the amount of pollution in water
caused by organic materials
Hardness • Fish and other aquatic life also need oxygen to survive
Biochemical oxygen demand

Chemical oxygen demand

 Chemical Properties

pH

Dissolved Oxygen
• Is a parameter that measures all organics: the
Major ions biodegradable and the non-biodegradable substances
Trace elements • A chemical test using strong oxidizing chemicals
(potassium dichromate), sulfuric acid, and heat, and the
Hardness result can be available in just 2 hours.
• COD values are always higher than BOD values for the
Biochemical oxygen demand
same sample
Chemical oxygen demand
WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS

Physical Chemical Biological Organoleptic

Properties Properties Properties Properties
 Biological Properties

Bacteria Biologists can survey fish and insect life of natural

waters and assess the water quality on the basis of a
Algae computed species diversity index (SDI).
Viruses
Hence, a water body with a large number of well-
balanced species is regarded as a healthy system.
Protozoa
Some organisms can be used as an indication for the
Indicator existence of pollutants based on their known
organisms
tolerance for a specified pollutant.`
 Biological Properties

• Under favorable conditions of food supply, temperature,

Bacteria and pH, bacteria can reproduce rapidly that a bacterial
culture may contain 20 million cells pero milliliter after just 1
Algae day.
• There are several distinctions among the various species of
Viruses bacteria. One depends on how they metabolize their food.
• Aerobic  require oxygen for metabolism
Protozoa • Anaerobic  live only in an oxygen-free environment
• Facultative bacteria  can live on either conditions
Indicator
organisms
 Biological Properties

• At low temperatures, bacteria grow and reproduce slowly

Bacteria
• As temperature increases, the rate of growth and
reproduction doubles in every additional 10°C
Algae
• A lot of dangerous waterborne diseases are caused by
Viruses
bacteria
• Typhoid and paratyphoid fever
Protozoa
• Leptospirosis
Indicator • Tularemia
organisms • Shigellosis
• Cholera
 Biological Properties

• Microscopic plants, which contain photosynthetic pigments

Bacteria (chlorophyll)
• Are autotrophic organisms and support themselves by
Algae converting inorganic materials into organic matter by
using energy from the sun [CO2 to O2]
Viruses • They are important for wastewater treatment in
stabilization ponds
Protozoa • Algae are primarily nuisance organisms in the water supply
because of the taste and odor problems they create.
Indicator • Certain species of algae cause serious environmental and
organisms public health problems
• e.g. blue-green algae can kill cattle and other domestic
animals
• `How to ID a Bloom.mhtml`
 Biological Properties

• Smallest biological structures known to contain all genetic

Bacteria information necessary for their own reproduction; can only
be viewed by a powerful electronic microscope
Algae • Can pass through filters that do not permit the passage of
bacteria
Viruses • Are parasites that need a host to live
• Waterborne viral pathogens are known to cause infectious
Protozoa hepatitis and poliomyelitis
• Most can be deactivated by the disinfection process
Indicator
conducted in the water treatment plant
organisms
 Biological Properties

• Are single-celled microscopic animal

Bacteria
• Consume solid organic particles, bacteria and algae for
food, and they are in turn ingested as food by higher level
Algae multicellular animals
• Aquatic protozoa are floating freely in water and
Viruses sometimes called zooplankton
• They form cysts that are difficult to inactivate by
Protozoa disinfection

Indicator
organisms
 Biological Properties

• A very important biological indicator of water and pollution

Bacteria is the group of bacteria called coliforms
• Water contaminated with sewage will always contain
Algae coliforms
• Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Viruses • Coliform bacteria are aggressive organisms and survive in
the water longer than most pathogens.
Protozoa • Membrane filter method and multiple-tube fermentation
method
Indicator
organisms
 Biological Properties

Bacteria

Algae

Viruses

Protozoa
Indicator
organisms
FACTORS AFFECTING WATER
QUALITY
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 TWO MAIN FACTORS

ENVIRONMENTAL HUMAN
FACTOR ACTIVITIES

Sedona Community Church A WATER DRIVE

 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
❖Geology and Topography ❖Natural Organic Material
➢Rock and Mineral Composition ➢Decomposition
➢Soil Erosion ➢Natural Sources
❖Climate and Weather
➢Rainfall Patterns
➢Temperature
➢Sunlight
 IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING ENVIRONMENTAL
FACTORS
Understanding environmental factors is crucial for
managing water resources effectively. For
instance, land management practices that minimize
erosion in watersheds can help protect water
quality. Similarly, regulating water releases from
dams can help maintain suitable water
temperatures for aquatic life. By being aware of
how these environmental factors interact, we can
make informed decisions to safeguard our water.
Rock and Mineral Composition

The type of bedrock a water source

flows through or over significantly
impacts its chemistry. Limestone,
for example, dissolves in water,
increasing calcium and magnesium
content, leading to "hard" water.
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Granite, on the other hand, has

minimal impact on water chemistry.
 Soil Erosion

Steeper landscapes and areas

devoid of vegetation are more prone
to erosion. When soil washes away,
it carries sediment into rivers, lakes,
and streams, increasing turbidity and
potentially introducing harmful
pollutants absorbed onto soil
particles.
Rainfall Patterns

Heavy rainfall events can cause

flash floods, overwhelming
natural filtration processes and
carrying pollutants like fertilizers
and animal waste from the land
into waterways. Conversely,
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droughts can concentrate

pollutants in water bodies due to
decreased dilution.
 Temperature

Warmer water holds less

dissolved oxygen, a vital
element for aquatic life. Warmer
temperatures can also lead to
increased algal blooms, which
can further deplete oxygen
levels as they decompose.
Sunlight

Sunlight intensity affects

the growth of algae and
aquatic plants. Excessive
sunlight can trigger harmful
algal blooms that disrupt
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the ecological balance.

 Decomposition

Decomposition of dead plants

and animals in water introduces
organic matter. While some
organic matter is beneficial for
aquatic ecosystems, excessive
amounts can deplete oxygen
levels as decomposers break it
down.
Natural Sources

Swamps, marshes, and

other wetlands naturally
have high organic matter
content due to the
abundance of decaying
plant life.
 HUMAN ACTIVITIES
❖Pollution
➢Industrial Discharges
➢Agricultural Runoff
➢Urban Wastewater
❖Water Treatment and Distribution
Systems
➢Chlorination
➢Aging Pipes
 EFFECT OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES

Human activities commonly affect

water quality. The consequences can
be severe, impacting human health,
aquatic ecosystems, and recreational
activities.
 Industrial Discharges

Factories and industrial plants

can release untreated or
partially treated wastewater
containing chemicals, heavy
metals, and other toxins.

Sedona Community Church A WATER DRIVE

Agricultural Runoff

Fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides

used in farming practices can seep into
the soil and eventually contaminate
groundwater or be carried by surface
runoff into rivers and streams.
Animal waste from concentrated
animal feeding operations (CAFOs)
can also be a major source of
pollution.
 Urban Wastewater

Untreated sewage from

overflowing septic systems or
poorly managed wastewater
treatment plants can introduce
harmful bacteria, pathogens,
and excess nutrients into
waterways.

A WATER DRIVE
Chlorination

While chlorine is effective in

killing bacteria, it can react with
naturally occurring organic
matter in water to produce
disinfection by products (DBPs)
which may pose health risks.
 Aging Pipes

Leaking or corroded pipes used

for water distribution can leach
contaminants like lead or copper
into the drinking water.
Diseases related to water and sanitation are
the major causes of high morbidity and
mortality in developing countries especially
in children and infants.

Water may carry causative agents

(pathogens) of communicable diseases of
man or provide the right environment for the
breeding and propagation of their vectors.

The presence of contaminants in water can

lead to adverse health effects, including
death, disability, illness or disorders.
Contamination of drinking water supplies can
occur in the source water as well as in the
distribution system after water treatment has
already occurred.

The causes of water related diseases include

microorganisms, parasites, toxins and
chemical contamination of water.

Water-related disease refer to any significant

adverse effects on human health caused
directly or indirectly by the condition, or
changes in the quantity or quality, of any
waters.
 CATEGORIES OF
WATER-RELATED DISEASE

 Waterborne microbiological disease

 Waterborne chemical disease
 Water hygiene disease
 Water contact disease
 Water vector habitat disease
WATERBORNE MICROBIAL DISEASES

• Diseases related to consumption of

pathogens consumed in water

• Most due to human or animal fecal

contamination of water

• Type of Exposure: Drinking Water

• Examples: Typhoid fever, Cholera,

Amoebic dysentery, Poliomyelitis,
Hepatitis A and viral gastroenteritis
WATERBORNE CHEMICAL DISEASES

• Diseases related to ingestion of

toxic substances in water

• Type of Exposure: Drinking Water

• Examples: Arsenicosis, Lead

poisoning
WATERBORNE HYGIENE DISEASES

• Diseases whose incidence, prevalence or

severity can be reduced by using safe
water to improve personal and domestic
hygiene

• Type of Exposure: Any water used for

washing or personal hygiene

• Examples: Scabies, Shigellosis, Trachoma

WATERBORNE CONTACT DISEASES

• Caused by skin contact with pathogen-

infested water or with chemical-
contaminated water

• Type of Exposure: Recreation water

• Examples: Schistosomiasis (bilharzia);

Cyanobacteria
WATERBORNE INSECT VECTOR DISEASES

• These diseases are spread by insects

which form habitats on stagnant water
sources.

• Type of Exposure: Insect bites

• Examples: Malaria, filiariasis, yellow

fever, and river blindness
WATERBORNE PATHOGENS
In general, the probability of waterborne pathogens to
cause disease to humans depends on:

 How virulent they are

 How they are ingested into the host

 How high their concentration is

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 How resistant the host is

FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO PREVALENCE OF WATER
RELATED DISEASE

 Insufficient water supplies and sanitation

 Inadequate housing and lack of hygienic
conditions
 Lack of good health care
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 Poor water resource management schemes

 SOURCES OF ENVIRONMENTAL
CONTAMINANTS

 Agricultural activities
 Industrial waste
 Sewage
 Natural events
 Mining
 Urbanization
AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES

The use of pesticides, fertilizers, and failures in

animal waste management, can all lead to water
contamination through runoff and leaching. When
rainwater washes over fields treated with
pesticides and fertilizers, it can carry these
chemicals into nearby streams, rivers, and
groundwater aquifers. Similarly, animal waste from
feedlots and farms can contain bacteria, viruses,
and parasites that can contaminate water sources
if not properly managed.
INDUSTRIAL WASTE

Industries generate a variety of chemicals and

heavy metals as byproducts of their operations. If
these materials are not properly disposed of or
stored, they can leak into nearby water sources,
contaminating them. Leakage from underground
storage tanks, such as those used to store gasoline
and oil, can also contribute to groundwater
contamination.
SEWAGE

Human waste, as well as waste from industry and

agriculture, can enter water sources through
sewage treatment plant discharges and septic
systems. Improperly treated sewage can contain a
wide range of contaminants, including bacteria,
viruses, and chemicals, that can pose a risk to
human health and the environment.
NATURAL EVENTS

Storms, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, can

also cause water contamination. Some of these
events are accentuated indirectly by human
actions, such as storm intensity increasing due to
climate change or landslides being caused not just
by rain, but also by improper land use, while others
are more or less beyond human activity, such as
volcanic eruptions.
MINING

The process of extracting minerals and metals

from the earth is usually intensive, using up large
amounts of water and releasing many potentially
toxic byproducts, which can also contribute to
water contamination. During the mining process,
heavy metals and other contaminants can be
released into nearby water sources, posing a risk to
human health and the environment.
URBANIZATION

As urban areas expand through construction and

land development, they can cause sediment runoff,
which can carry chemicals, heavy metals, and
other pollutants into nearby water sources.
Additionally, the increased use of household
cleaning products and personal care items in
urban areas can lead to increased levels of
chemical contamination in water.