Surface water generally includes lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Surface water is the source water for the majority of large, well-populated metropolitan regions. Unlike groundwater, which is filtered through rock, soil and sand, surface water is exposed to the elements, making it more likely to contain organic and inorganic contaminants.
As surface water is exposed to natural and man-made influences, it has a broader exposure to all types of contamination including organic matter responsible for disinfection byproduct formation.
With analytical testing, you can:
Monitoring your source water can help your facility achieve efficiencies during the treatment process that contribute to lower operating costs and higher quality drinking water. Whatever your needs, Hach® is ready to help with information, technology and support.
Explore the various parameters and methods for surface water monitoring below.
Ammonia levels can reach mg/L in surface water, especially in smaller water bodies and streams located in agricultural areas. These levels can change seasonally and need to be monitored. The ammonia concentration value is used to help define the chlorine to nitrogen ratio if the treatment facility uses a chloramination process. If ammonia-containing source water is used in a free chlorine facility the ammonia will react with chlorine to form chloramines but in an uncontrolled manner. The chloramines can cause taste and odor problems and possible nitrification issues in the distribution system if the ammonia is not destroyed or the chloramine formation controlled. The standard salicylate method for ammonia can be used to determine ammonia levels in the unchlorinated water.
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