What role do chemical tests like turbidity and colour testing play in water quality assessment?

Chemical tests such as turbidity and colour testing play a crucial role in evaluating the overall purity of water. Turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by large numbers of individual particles, which can indicate the presence of contaminants including sediments, microorganisms, and organic matter. High turbidity levels can suggest lower water quality and potential health risks.

Colour testing is equally important, as the colour of water can be affected by natural organic material, algae growth, or pollution. Monitoring the colour helps to identify the presence of specific contaminants and assess the extent of water treatment necessary. Together, these tests help determine how clean the water is and guide further analysis or treatment to meet safety and quality standards.

While regulatory compliance is indeed important, the primary function of these tests goes beyond mere compliance; they provide a direct insight into the water's condition, which is critical for ensuring safety and maintaining public health standards. Additionally, assessing the cost of water treatment and evaluating human safety in drinking water involves more complex assessments, not solely based on turbidity and colour.