page_title: Water quality
hierarchical_section_title: Water quality
caption_attribution_description: English: View of a rosette sampler, used to collect water samples for water quality testing. This type of sampler can be used in deep water for locations such as the Great Lakes and oceans.
context_page_description: Water quality refers to the chemical, physical, biological, and radiological characteristics of water. It is a measure of the condition of water relative to the requirements of one or more biotic species, or to any human need or purpose. It is most frequently used by reference to a set of standards against which compliance, generally achieved through treatment of the water, can be assessed. The most common standards used to assess water quality relate to health of ecosystems, safety of human contact, and drinking water.
context_section_description: Water quality refers to the chemical, physical, biological, and radiological characteristics of water. It is a measure of the condition of water relative to the requirements of one or more biotic species, or to any human need or purpose. It is most frequently used by reference to a set of standards against which compliance, generally achieved through treatment of the water, can be assessed. The most common standards used to assess water quality relate to health of ecosystems, safety of human contact, and drinking water.
caption: A rosette sampler is used for collecting water samples in deep water, such as the Great Lakes or oceans, for water quality testing.