What is turbidity, and why is it important in water quality?

Turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid, most often water, caused by large numbers of individual particles that are generally invisible to the naked eye. This cloudiness can stem from a variety of sources, including sediments, microorganisms, or organic materials. The significance of measuring turbidity lies in its correlation with water quality; higher levels of turbidity can indicate potential contaminants that may pose health risks or impact aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, turbid water can hinder the effectiveness of disinfection processes, making it crucial for water systems to monitor and manage turbidity levels to ensure safe drinking water and maintain environmental standards.