What is turbidity and why is it measured in water treatment?

Turbidity is a critical parameter in water treatment as it refers to the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by suspended particles, such as silt, algae, and other organic matter. High turbidity levels can indicate the presence of contaminants in the water, making it essential to measure in order to assess water quality.

Measuring turbidity is vital for several reasons: it helps in determining the necessary treatment processes needed to clarify the water, enables the monitoring of filtration systems' effectiveness, and serves as an important quality control measure to ensure that the water is safe for consumption. When suspended particles remain in the water, they can harbor harmful microorganisms or obstruct the disinfection processes, leading to health risks. Therefore, maintaining low turbidity levels is crucial in providing safe and clean drinking water.