What is meant by "water quality parameters"?

Water quality parameters refer to the measurable properties of water that help determine its safety and suitability for consumption. These parameters encompass a variety of factors, including physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Common examples of these parameters include pH level, turbidity, levels of dissolved oxygen, presence of heavy metals, and microbial content. Evaluating these factors is essential for ensuring that water meets health standards and is safe for human use, as well as for protecting public health and the environment.

While cost estimates and types of contaminants are important aspects of water management, they do not directly define water quality. Aesthetic characteristics, although relevant to consumer perceptions of water, do not account for its safety or health implications. Therefore, the focus on measurable properties that indicate safety makes the first choice the most appropriate representation of what water quality parameters are.