INTRODUCING PARAMETERS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF DRINKING WATER QUALITY

Chapter 1 introduced the index and indicator concept and outlined a number of microorganisms (and groups of microorganisms) that have been adopted in the quest to determine whether or not drinking water is microbiologically safe to drink. This chapter examines the range of both microbial and non-microbial parameters and briefly outlines their uses and applications. It is intended to act as an introduction to the parameters that can be used to assess drinking water quality and further details on their use in specific areas can be found in subsequent chapters.