Need of Drinking Water Analysis
We have around 60% water in our body. i.e 2/3 rd part of human body made up of water. what if the water we are drinking is contaminated? Over 3 million people die (majorly because of Diarrhea) every year because of water pollution. To make sure that water we are drinking is pure and contains no bacteria and harmful metals Drinking water analysis is necessary. We have heard Precaution is better than cure since our childhood it is true in this case also.
Location of Drinking water Sampling Points
Drinking water Sampling is most important process in Drinking water analysis. it must be taken from location that is representative of water source to be tested.
Sampling Frequency
The Most important test in water quality surveillance are those for microbiological quality i.e. indicator of bacteria, Turbidity, Free chlorine, pH. These should be carried out whenever a sample is taken. It is recommended that Drinking water analysis to be carried out once in a year.
Storage of Samples
Although recommendation varies, the time between sample collection & analysis should, in general not exceed 6 hours & 24 Hours is considered the absolute Maximum. It is assumed that the samples are immediately placed in a light proof insulated box containing melting ice or ice packs with rapid cooling. If ice is not available, the transportation time must not exceed 2 hours.
Sampling methods for physio-chemical analysis
Result of physiochemical analysis is of no value if the sample tested are not properly collected & stored. In general, Time between sampling & analysis should be kept to a minimum. Storage in a glass or polyethylene bottles at low temperature (e.g. 4 DegC) in the dark is recommended. pH, Turbidity & Residual chlorine should be tested immediately after sampling as they will chance during storage & transportation.
Physico-Chemical Analysis
- Chlorine residual: The disinfection of drinking-water supplies constitutes an important barrier against waterborne diseases. Although various disinfectants may be used, chlorine in one form or another is the principal disinfecting agent employed in small communities in most countries. Three types of chlorine residual may be measured: free chlorine (the most reactive species, i.e. hypochlorous acid and the hypochlorite ion); combined chlorine (less reactive but more persistent species formed by the reaction of free chlorine species with organic material and ammonia); and total chlorine (the sum of the free and combined chlorine residuals).
- pH: Portable pH electrodes and meters are available. If these are used in the laboratory, they must be calibrated against fresh pH standards at least daily; for field use, they should be calibrated immediately before each test. Results may be inaccurate if the water has a low buffering capacity.
- Turbidity: In all processes in which disinfection is used, the turbidity must always be low—preferably below 1 NTU. It is recommended that, for water to be disinfected, the turbidity should be consistently less than 5 NTU.
- Color: If Drinking water is coloured then may be coloured organic matter, e.g. humic substances, metals such as iron and manganese, or highly coloured industrial wastes are present. Drinking-water should be colourless.
- Taste and odour: Odours in water are caused mainly by the presence of organic substances. Some odours are indicative of increased biological activity, others may result from industrial pollution. Generally, the taste buds in the oral cavity detect the inorganic compounds of metals such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, copper, iron, and zinc. As water should be free of objectionable taste and odour, it should not be offensive to the majority of the consumers.
Drinking Water Parameters and Standards
Water
is a vital natural resource which is essential for multiplicity of
purpose. Drinking water quality standards describes the quality
parameters set for drinking water. Drinking water or potable water is
water safe enough to be consumed by humans. In most developed countries,
the water supplied to households, commerce and industry meets drinking
water standards, even though only a very small proportion is actually
consumed or used in food preparation. Typical uses (for other than
potable purposes) include toilet flushing, washing and landscape
irrigation.
As Per Indian Standard Specifications For Drinking Water:
| S.NO. | Parameter | Requirement desirable Limit | Remark |
| 1 | Colour | 5 | May be extended up to 50 if toxic substances are suspected |
| 2 | Turbidity | 10 | May be relaxed up to 25 in the absence of alternate |
| 3 | pH | 6.5 to 8.5 | May be relaxed up to 9.2 in the absence |
| 4 | Total Hardness | 300 | May be extended up to 600 |
| 5 | Calcium as Ca | 75 | May be extended up to 200 |
| 6 | Magnesium as Mg | 30 | May be extended up to 100 |
| 7 | Copper as Cu | 0.05 | May be relaxed up to 1.5 |
| 8 | Iron | 0.3 | May be extended up to 1 |
| 9 | Manganese | 0.1 | May be extended up to 0.5 |
| 10 | Chlorides | 250 | May be extended up to 1000 |
| 11 | Sulphates | 150 | May be extended up to 400 |
| 12 | Nitrates | 45 | No relaxation |
| 13 | Fluoride | 0.6 to 1.2 | If the limit is below 0.6 water should be rejected, Max. Limit is extended to 1.5 |
| 14 | Phenols | 0.001 | May be relaxed up to 0.002 |
| 15 | Mercury | 0.001 | No relaxation |
| 16 | Cadmium | 0.01 | No relaxation |
| 17 | Selenium | 0.01 | No relaxation |
| 18 | Arsenic | 0.05 | No relaxation |
| 19 | Cyanide | 0.05 | No relaxation |
| 20 | Lead | 0.1 | No relaxation |
| 21 | Zinc | 5.0 | May be extended up to 10.0 |
| 22 | Chromium as Cr +6 | 0.05 | No relaxation |
Why us – Excell Enviro Services as Environmental Consultant
We Excell Enviro Services as Environmental Consultant have highly Qualified and Experienced Experts to do Drinking water Analysis. We already provide these services to major industries to small Villages.
If you want to avail our services or to know more about our services please fill contact form mentioned on right side.