Introduction
Water quality standards are used to protect the health of people, ecosystems, and natural resources such as fish, wildlife and recreational areas. Water quality standards determine how much of particular pollutants such as nutrients, oxygen, heavy metals, etc. can be present in a given body of water and how often these concentrations are to be monitored.
Purpose
The purpose of water quality standards is to protect public health and the environment. The standards are designed to limit the amount of pollutants present in water, making it safer and healthier for people to use and to maintain the health of ecosystems.
Types of Water Quality Standards
Water quality standards are defined as the maximum and/or minimum amounts of various pollutants that are allowed to be present in a given body of water at any time. The standards can range from a single measurement (such as dissolved oxygen) to an overall “limit of acceptability” that is based on multiple factors and measurements. Different types of water quality standards are used to protect water quality in both natural and developed environments.
Primary Standards
Primary standards, also known as health-based standards, are designed to protect public health and safety. These standards are enforceable by the government, and can have penalties for violations. Primary standards typically include maximum and/or minimum levels of parameters such as bacteria, dissolved oxygen, pH, lead, and other substances known to be harmful to human health.
Secondary Standards
Secondary standards are designed to protect water bodies from adverse environmental impacts such as algal blooms, taste and odour problems, and the destruction of aquatic life and habitats. These standards are also designed to protect recreation, aesthetics, and the production of drinking water and other public supplies from adversely affected water bodies. Secondary standards do not typically contain maximum or minimum values, but instead depend on overall water quality with respect to the desired uses.
Tertiary Standards
Tertiary standards are designed to reduce the amount of pollutants in the water by limiting discharges and encouraging beneficial reuse of wastewater. These standards are not enforced by government, but instead serve as guidance to encourage the use of such practices.
Conclusion
Water quality standards are important tools used to protect public and environmental health. Different standards are used to protect different types of waters and uses, ranging from human health to aesthetics, drinking water supplies, and aquatic life and habitats. It is important to understand the purpose and types of standards and ensure that they are properly implemented to protect people and the environment.
