5. Write 4 properties of potable water.
Answers
Answer:
It is essential to monitor the physical aspects of water quality to determine if the water is polluted or not. Physical characteristics can be determined by:
Color – pure water is colorless; colored water can indicate pollution. Colour can also show organic substances. The maximum acceptable level for the color of drinking water is 15 TCU (True color unit).
Turbidity – pure water is clear and does not absorb light. If turbidity appears in the water, it may indicate water pollution.
Taste and odor – pure water is always tasteless and odorless. If any type of taste and smell is present, it may indicate water pollution.
Temperature – the temperature is not directly used to evaluate whether water is drinkable or not. However, in natural water systems like lakes and rivers, the temperature is a significant physical factor that determines water quality.
Solids – If water is filtered to remove suspended solids, the remaining solid in the water indicates the total dissolved solids. If the dissolved solids in the water exceed 300 mg/l, it adversely affects living organisms as well as industrial products.
Explanation: