Water Tests

Water Testing involves the analysis of water quality to determine its suitability for drinking, industrial, construction, or environmental purposes. Testing helps identify physical, chemical, and biological properties of water, ensuring compliance with national and international standards. Water testing is essential for civil engineering, environmental monitoring, hydrology studies, and industrial applications.

Types of Water Tests Conducted

  1. Physical Tests:

    • Color, Odor, and Taste – Basic sensory evaluation.
    • Turbidity – Measures suspended particles affecting clarity.
    • Temperature – Affects chemical reactions and biological activity.

  2. Chemical Tests:

    • pH – Indicates acidity or alkalinity.
    • Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) – Measures dissolved salts and minerals.
    • Hardness (Calcium & Magnesium) – Affects scaling and water usability.
    • Chlorides, Sulfates, Nitrates – Evaluate corrosion potential and contamination.
    • Heavy Metals (Lead, Arsenic, Mercury, etc.) – Ensures safety for drinking and industrial use.
    • Alkalinity & Acidity – Determines buffering capacity and chemical behavior.

  3. Biological Tests:

    • Total Coliforms and E. coli – Indicators of microbial contamination.
    • Bacterial Count – Determines presence of harmful microorganisms.

  4. Specialized Tests for Construction/Industrial Use:

    • Water for Concrete (IS 456:2000) – Ensures suitability for mixing and curing concrete.
    • Boiler/Industrial Water Testing – Checks for scaling, corrosion, and efficiency.

Irrigation Water Testing – Evaluates suitability for crops and soil.