Water Quality for Healthy Beaches and Shellfish Beds
Water quality is usually defined as the physical, chemical and biological characteristics used to describe water. Scientists test the quality of water to ensure a body of water is safe for various uses such as drinking or recreational purposes like swimming and fishing. In addition, scientists determine if the water is suitable for plants and wildlife to maintain a healthy ecosystem.
In determining water quality, scientists look at common indicators such as temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity.
- Temperature is important as it relates to oxygen; cold water contains more oxygen than warm water. Also, most aquatic animals such as water bugs and fish require specific temperatures for survival.
- A pH test is done to determine if the water is acidic or basic. The scale is from 0-14 with 7 being neutral. Anything below 7 is considered acidic and anything above 7 is considered basic. Most aquatic animals prefer to live in water that is closer to neutral from 6.5- 8. If the water is too acidic or too basic the animals will not be able to survive.
- Turbidity tests how clear the water is or not. If the water is not clear, then there are items suspended in the water such as clay, silt, microorganisms and organic or inorganic matter.
- Dissolved oxygen is a test to determine the amount of oxygen contained in water. Oxygen in the water is critical for the survival of aquatic organisms.
- Conductivity is used to measure how well water is able to carry electrical currents. This is an indicator of the minerals and other inorganic materials present in the water.
The Gulf of Mexico Alliance's long term goals include monitoring pathogens, forecasting factors which cause harmful algal blooms, and reducing the risk of mercury exposure. The Gulf of Mexico Alliance Environmental Education Network (GOMAEEN) is working to increase science and ocean literacy by providing formal and informal educators with tools to help students understand the science behind coastal water quality issues. The digital library features activities, real-time data, and games to help cultivate a population of environmentally educated coastal leaders for tomorrow.
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Contacts:
Steve Wolfe
Co-Coordinator for the Water Quality Team
Program Administrator, OCAMA Florida Department of Environmental Protection
