Water Quality

The Biological, Chemical
And Physical Characteristics

Water Quality is a term used to describe the biological, chemical and physical characteristics of water. The water quality will vary, depending on it's suitability for a particular use.

Water Quality can be thought of as a measure of the suitability of water for a particular use. The use is based on selected biological, chemical and physical characteristics of the water.

When the average RVer asks about water quality, they probably want to know if the water is safe enough for bathing, dish washing and drinking.

Natural Water Quality - Natural Processes

Natural Water Quality varies from place to place, with the seasons, with climate. It also varies depending on the types of soils and rocks through which water moves.

When water from rain or snow moves over the land and through the ground, the water may dissolve minerals in rocks and soil. Water also percolates through organic material such as roots and leaves.

Each of these natural processes impacts water quality and water use. Plant nutrients and trace elements in water can also be harmful to human health and aquatic life if they exceed standards or guidelines.

Natural Waters

Natural Waters are altered by Urban and Industrial activities. These activities include burning of fossil fuels in automobiles, construction, farming, mining, stream-channel alteration. There are also many other human activities that change the quality of natural waters.

Dissolved Substances In Water

The most common dissolved substances in water are natural minerals or salts. As a group, are referred to as dissolved solids. Dissolved gases such as oxygen and radon are common in natural waters.

Dissolved Solids Include:

- Bicarbonate, Calcium, Chloride And Sodium

- Plant Nutrients Such As Nitrogen And Phosphorus

- Trace Elements Such As Arsenic, Chromium And Selenium

Generally, dissolved solids are not considered harmful to human health if within specified limits. However, dissolved solids can affect the taste, smell and clarity of water.

Total Dissolved Solids Affect Water Quality

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) may have an influence on the acceptability of the water in general. A high TDS reading may be an indication of the presence of excessive concentrations of substances.

A simple way to find how many dissolved solids are in the water you are using is to visit our RV Water Products Section to buy A Total Disolved Solids (TDS) Meter.

Water Quality Standards And Guidelines

Water Quality Standards and Guidelines are established to protect water for designated uses such as agricultural irrigation, drinking, protection of aquatic life and recreation.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the States are responsible for establishing the standards for constituents in water. Particularly if they have been shown to pose a risk to human health. Other standards protect aquatic life, including fish, and fish-eating wildlife such as birds.

Human Activities and Water Quality

The importance of individuals directly contributing to the combined load of chemicals in the environment has been largely unrecognized.

An example of the impact of human activities on water quality is the nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers that are applied to crops and lawns. These plant nutrients are easily dissolved in runoff water.

Once dissolved, these nutrients can be carried to streams and lakes where they encourage the growth of algae. Excessive amounts of algae can lead to low oxygen in the water and the killing of fish.

Chemicals and Water Quality

There are so many chemicals in use today that determining their impact on water quality is difficult. Determining risks to human health is also a complex and difficult task.

After decades of use, chemicals, pharmaceutical drugs, and other dangerous substances are commonly found in streams and ground water.

Some pesticides have not been used for 20 to 30 years, but they are still being detected in fish and streambed sediment. some of these chemicals are at levels that pose a potential risk to human health.

No Standard For Chemical Mixtures

Mixtures of chemicals are now being found in water, but health-based standards and guidelines have not been established to determine or control environmental impacts from them.

Water Quality Testing And Analysis

Water Quality Testing And Analysis of city water can usually be accomplished by calling the local water company and requesting a copy of their latest water report.

You can purchase a Total Dissolved Solids Meter (TDS) or Water Testing Kits from our RV Water Products Section to. Our prices are very competitive.

Buy RV Water Quality Products Online

BUY RV Water Quality Products Online by clicking a product link or going directly to the RV Water Solutions Products Section.

You can be assured that you will be choosing from one of the best selections of RV Water Products online at the best price.