Changes in temperature over a stretch of stream may show a source of pollution to the water such as a drain from a parking lot or factory. Total Phosphate Organic phosphate is naturally occurring. It is used by plants in their growth process. Most bodies of water should have little to no phosphate present since it is used up quickly by a healthy water system. Total Solids A measurement of the dissolved and suspended solids in water.
Hard water has a heavy load of dissolved solids.
All life depends on water and too much or too little of certain dissolved materials in water can affect health. Suspended solids are floating material. Turbidity Is the measure of the relative clarity of the water. The greater the turbidity the murkier the water. Turbidity increases as a result of suspended solids in the water that reduce the transmission of light.