Generally water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. However, the presence of the water forming atoms, hydrogen and oxygen does not determine the quality of water. The quality of water has been described as the measure of water suitability for a particular utilization (Chapman, 1996). The quality of water is based on physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. The factors observed in determining the quality of water include the following. First of all, it is the color of the water. Most of the water varies in color due to dissolved materials in it. For instance, nutrient rich water tends to be green in color. PH is another factor; pH is the measure of the degree of acidity or alkalinity of water. It ranges from 0 to 14. Since pH of water can be affected by dissolving chemicals in it, it is then determined as an important element in determining water quality. Water of different ionic content has variable conductivity ability. Specific observance of water conductivity aids in calculating the amount of dissolved particles in water. Turbidity is the measure of the amount of suspension elements in water which portrays the light scattering of water. Water hardness is also another aspect that determines the quality of water; it is determined by the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in water and it varies with place.
The majority of the citizens in Canada take the consumption of water for granted. To solve the issue, Health Canada has come up with guidelines that would aid in ensuring that Canadians consume clean and pure water.
In Canada, the microscopic organisms such as the bacteria, viruses and protozoa have been associated with many water related diseases. To solve this, we will implement the Canada Health microbial health guidelines in testing the quality of Dalhousie University; we will achieve this by taking water samples and testing it for the presence of bacteria such as Escherichia coli that is associated with fecal material (Chapman, 1996). In addition, we will ensure that we have strengthened the guidelines associated with microorganisms because in case of failure to comply with water quality demands, the health conditions of people in Canada will be quite severe.
The quality of water is also determined by the amount of chemicals dissolved in it, some of the drinking water may have chemicals and radioactive substances. Such materials affect an individual’s health if they exceed guideline levels. To solve this, amicable measures are going to be applied to enable one to reduce the chemical and radioactive concentration of these substances. The order will be tested for carcinogenic elements in it, and if present, the individuals at Dalhousie University will be discouraged from using that water for consumption purposes (Chapman, 1996).
In the current society there exists an overutilization of aesthetics. The aesthetics has been associated with the poor quality of water. To solve this, our engineering firm will observe water quality guidelines in determining the amount of aesthetics that has dissolved in the water, and if it proves to be carcinogenic, the water will be pronounced unsafe for drinking.
In conclusion, while observing the Canadian health guidelines, the students at Dalhousie University will be entitled to have good health due to consumption of drinking water as recommended by the government of Canada. In addition, through our activity in testing the safety of water, the majority of the students have the chance of learning the importance of taking pure quality water, hence reducing the contraction of many water related diseases.
Reference
Chapman, D. (1996). Water quality assessments: a guide to the use of biota, sediments and water in environmental monitoring. New York: Taylor & Francis.