What is "turbidity" and why is it important?

Turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by large numbers of individual particles that are generally invisible to the naked eye. This measurement is important because high turbidity can indicate a presence of harmful microorganisms, sediments, or pollutants that could compromise water quality and safety. In water treatment and distribution, monitoring turbidity is crucial as it affects the effectiveness of disinfection processes and the overall quality of drinking water. If the water is too turbid, it may lead to issues with taste, odor, and clarity, as well as problems with water treatment systems, potentially resulting in health risks for consumers. Therefore, measuring turbidity is a fundamental practice in ensuring the safety and quality of water supplied to the public.