What will water turbidity do to the quality of water?

Water turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by the presence of suspended particles such as silt, clay, organic matter, and microorganisms. High turbidity can significantly interfere with proper disinfection processes, primarily because it can shield pathogens from disinfectants such as chlorine or UV light. When particles are suspended in water, they can absorb and scatter the disinfection agents, making it difficult for these agents to reach and effectively inactivate or kill harmful microorganisms. This interference can lead to inadequate treatment of water, ultimately increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

In contrast, enhancing disinfection is unlikely as increased turbidity can hinder the effectiveness of the disinfection methods used. Turbidity typically does not decrease pH levels nor increase water clarity; in fact, it does the opposite by making water less clear. Therefore, understanding the relationship between turbidity and water quality is crucial for ensuring safe drinking water and effective wastewater treatment.