When the phosphates enter a body of water this tends to make algae grow so much that the water becomes unfit for aquatic life and human use. Phosphorus is essential to the growth of organisms and can be the nutrient that limits the primary productivity of a body of water. Chlorophyll is the primary photosynthetic pigment in autotrophic organisms. Primary productivity is a measure of the production of organic carbon from atmospheric carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. It can be used to determine the health of the chlorophyll.
Alkalinity is also significant in determining the suitability of water for irrigation.
Fecal coliform bacteria do not cause disease, but can indicate that disease-causing organisms, such as pathogens or viruses, may be present. Fecal coliform bacteria levels usually rise for several days following a rain event. They may cause gastroenteritis if ingested. Last updated July 11, 2000.