3 Classification Methods of Water Quality

Water is the source of life, essential for all humans and organisms on Earth. Good water quality is crucial for both environmental health and the quality of human life. The quality of water directly affects environmental well-being and the quality of human life. To scientifically manage and protect water resources, it is necessary to classify water quality, understanding the characteristics and influencing factors of different water bodies.

There are various ways to classify water quality, which can be categorized into physical, chemical, and biological aspects. Each of these three domains can be further subdivided into multiple types. This article mainly lists some primary criteria and detailed classifications for water quality, though it is not exhaustive. It serves as an introduction to help readers gain a general understanding.

1.According to the chemical properties

1). pH Values:

Water, as the source of life, plays a crucial role in the well-being of humans and all organisms on Earth. The quality of water directly impacts environmental health and the quality of human life. To effectively manage and protect water resources, it is essential to classify water quality based on various indicators, with pH being a significant parameter.

Acidic Water (pH < 7): Acidic water has a pH below 7, possibly due to acid rain, discharge of acidic wastewater, or certain geological conditions.Acidic water adversely affects the survival and reproduction of aquatic organisms. The acidic environment may increase the solubility of heavy metals in the water, posing potential harm to aquatic ecosystems.

Neutral Water (pH = 7): Neutral water has a pH of 7, indicating a balance between acidic and alkaline components in the water.Neutral water is generally considered environmentally friendly to aquatic organisms, conducive to maintaining ecological balance in the water.

Alkaline Water (pH > 7): Alkaline water has a pH higher than 7, possibly due to the dissolution of alkaline substances, discharge of alkaline wastewater, or geological conditions. Alkaline water may have adverse effects on specific aquatic organisms. The alkaline environment may increase the solubility of certain minerals in the water, creating pressure on aquatic ecosystems.

2. Classification of physical properties

1). Temperature

Warm Water Bodies: Higher temperatures may affect the ecological environment for aquatic organisms and promote the growth of certain microorganisms.

Cold Water Bodies: Lower temperatures are suitable for specific organisms and can impact the dissolved oxygen capacity of the water.

2). Turbidity

High Turbidity Water Bodies: Presence of a large number of suspended particles in the water, resulting in poor water transparency.

Low Turbidity Water Bodies: Clear water quality with good transparency.

3). Other

According to the physical properties of water, water can also be classified into transparent/turbid water, slow flow/rapid water, deep water/diving water, etc. These criteria for classifying physical properties contribute to a comprehensive assessment of water characteristics and cleanliness. Monitoring these physical indicators provides crucial information about the state of the water, aiding in the formulation of appropriate water quality management and protection measures.

3. Classification of Microbiological Properties

1). Total Colony Count:

High Total Colony Count Water Bodies: Indicates the presence of a large number of microorganisms in the water, possibly influenced by organic load or contamination.

Low Total Colony Count Water Bodies: Indicates relatively fewer microorganisms, suggesting a comparatively clean water body.

2). Microbial Diversity:

High Microbial Diversity Water Bodies: Presence of various microbial types indicates a relatively rich and balanced ecosystem.

Low Microbial Diversity Water Bodies: Fewer microbial species in the water may be influenced by specific pollution sources, leading to a less diverse ecosystem.

3). Specific Microbial Communities:

Cyanobacteria-dominated Water Bodies: Presence of cyanobacteria may indicate eutrophication and the potential production of toxic algal compounds.

Actinomycetes-dominated Water Bodies: Actinomycetes, salt-tolerant microorganisms, may be related to water salinity and alkalinity.

4). Others:

These classification criteria for microbiological properties contribute to assessing the microbial ecological condition of water and potential health risks. Monitoring the microbiological properties of water quality is a crucial component of comprehensive water health assessments, essential for environmental protection and public health.

In general, household water use should also be measured according to the above standards to ensure the safety of domestic water. In fact, even if the daily water supply in urban areas has undergone large-scale filtration, we still recommend purchasing a household water purifier to at least ensure the safety of drinking water. If you want to establish comprehensive healthy water use, you may also consider installing a whole-house water filtration system to filter all the water used in your home.