Why Is Your Water So Murky? Here Are 3 Possible Causes

If you’ve noticed that your water has been looking cloudier than usual lately, don’t fret! That doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem with your plumbing system; it could just be due to one of the many factors that can cause turbidity in water. Learn more about turbidity and its causes right below.

What Is Turbidity?

Turbidity (sometimes called cloudiness) can occur naturally in water, but it can also result from the presence of impurities. In many cases, turbidity causes no harm to human health, but there are steps you can take to restore clarity to cloudy water or prevent your water from becoming cloudy in the first place. Experts utilise specialised instruments called turbidity analysers to measure turbidity in water. Here are three common causes of turbidity to help you figure out what might be going on.

Causes of Turbidity:

1.      Sediment

Sediment is one of the most common causes of turbidity in water. It can occur naturally or as a result of human activity. Sediment can be introduced into a water source through runoff from nearby farmland, construction sites, and other sources.

The sediment often consists primarily of sand, clay, or organic matter that has been eroded by rainwater runoff from hard surfaces such as roofs and roads. When it enters the source, the sediment can cloud the water with particles that are suspended in it.

2.      Algae

Algae, a type of living organism that is typically green, can cause water to appear murky. Algae are usually harmless, but their presence can make the water smell and taste bad. If you suspect your water contains algae, contact your local water agency for more information.

Algae and other types of aquatic plants can cause water to become turbid. Algae is most often found in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams. This type of algae grows in shallow water that is warm and nutrient-rich. The warmer the water, the more algae will grow.

3.      Erosion or Runoff

Erosion and runoff are two common causes of turbidity in water. Erosion happens when soil is eroded by rain or wind. Runoff occurs when rainwater flows over the surface, picking up and carrying sediments from the soil. This sediment can be anything from silt and clay to small rocks. If there is an area where erosion or runoff occurs, it will contribute to turbidity in the water found downstream. In this case, a turbidity meter can come in handy. Turbidity analysers can ensure the safety of everyone.

How Does Turbidity Measurement Help?

Turbidity is measured in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). It’s the measure of light that cannot pass through the water because suspended matter in the liquid blocks the light's passage. The higher the NTU reading, the poorer the water quality. Health risks posed by turbid water can include stomach upset and diarrhea, as well as a risk of infection from microorganisms. Turbidity analysers have become a necessity these days across various industries.

When the water coming out of your faucet takes on an opaque, cloudy hue, it might be hard to tell if it’s safe to drink or not. If you specialise in a profession that involves water treatment, turbidity analysers are an inevitable tool in the filtration process. Talk to a supplier offering high-quality equipment to buy one today.

3 Must-have Safety Tools for Oil, Gas, & Water Treatment Industries

 

Tools are very important in oil and gas industries because they are used in various operations for drilling, refining, and production. Without the proper tools, these operations would be significantly more difficult, if not impossible. The right tools can make a big difference in the efficiency and safety of oil and gas operations. The safety tools used in these industries help teams locate potential leaks, cracks, and more, which prevents accidents. Here we’ve discussed the three must-have tools for oil, gas, water treatment, and other industries.

Turbidity Analysers

If you work in the oil, gas, or water treatment industries, then you know how important it is to have a turbidity analyser on hand. Turbidity analysers help you measure the level of suspended solids in a liquid, which is important for both quality control and regulatory compliance.  You can use them to monitor whether the purification process is working correctly by determining if the pollutant concentration changes over time. 

AquaScat 2

The AquaScat is Sigrist's latest and most technologically advanced way to measure the level of water turbidity at 90 degrees. The one key feature that sets the AquaScat apart from its predecessors is that the water sample never comes into contact with the optics. Rather than focusing solely on the top surface of the stream, the light passes through the entire length of the stream. Not only is the AquaScat one of the most high-quality cleaners out there, but it can measure the clarity of the water down to four decimal places. You can choose one of 8 pre-defined measurement ranges or customise your own to match 4-20mA output.

Broken Bag Detectors

Bag filters are an important part of the oil, gas, and water treatment industries. They help remove contaminants from liquids and gases, making them cleaner and safer. But if a bag filter breaks, it can release contaminants into the environment. That's why it's important to have a broken bag detector in place. These detectors can alert you when a bag filter breaks, so you can take action to fix the problem and prevent contamination.

Snifter A1+ Broken Bag Detector

The Snifter A1+ is a low-cost and easy-to-use filter leak detector that is a direct replacement for the Snifter A1 device. To facilitate the commissioning of this device, it includes a quick and easy automatic setup function that lets you see how much dust is in the baghouse within ten minutes of installation. The Snifter A1+ dust monitor features two pre-set alarm levels to detect leaks and help you monitor the effectiveness of your filtration system.

Industrial Sirens and Beacons

The use of industrial sirens and beacons is crucial for the oil, gas, and water treatment industries. They help notify workers of potential dangers, as well as provide a visual warning to those who may be in the vicinity of the hazard. Sirens and beacons can also be used to direct traffic away from an area that is being evacuated. These products are available in many different types, colours, and sizes, so you will be able to find one that suits your needs perfectly. Industrial sirens and beacons are necessary safety devices for any type of industry, so it is important to know what features you need before purchasing one. Some of the products that are available online are D1xC1X05R Radial Alarm Horn & Xenon Strobe, IS-CP4-PB Push Button Manual Call Point, IS-DL105L Intrinsically Safe Alarm Sounder & LED Beacon, and more.