Water Quality

Water Quality is tentatively scheduled as an event in the 2011-2012 season. Important components of the event in the past included identifying aquatic invertebrates and understanding the indicators of water quality.

First, what is water quality? Water quality includes the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water. In countries around the world, especially in the U.S. under the direction of the EPA, standards are set to determine which water is potable.

Let's first discuss the four types of water. The types of water are based on salt concentration, usually measured in ppt (parts per thousand). Fresh water is usually considered to have a ppt of <0.5. Brackish water is between 0.5 and 30 ppt. Saline water has a ppt of 30 to 50, and Brine is >50 ppt. The only water safe for human consumption is fresh water.