Water
Microbiology
There
are
two
major
types
of
water.
1. Ground
water -
It
originates
from
deep
wells
and
subterranean
springs.
This
is
virtually
free
of
bacteria
due
to
filtering
action
of
soil,
deep
sand
and
rock.
However,
it
may
become
contaminated
when
it
flows
along
the
channels.
2.
Surface
water
-
It
is
found
in
streams,
lakes,
and
shallow
wells.
The
air
through
which
the
rain
passes
may
contaminate
the
water.
Other
sources
are
the
various
types
of
establishments
and
agricultural
farms
etc.
by
the
sides
the
water
flows.
Possible
sources
of
microbial
contamination
of
a
body
of
water
are
soil
and
agricultural
run
off,
farm
animals,
rain
water,
industrial
waste,
discharges
from
sewage
treatment
plants
and
storm
water
run
off
from
urban
areas.
In
water
microbiology
the
water
is
contaminated
when
it
contains
a
chemical
or
biological
poison
or
an
infectious
agent.
These
conditions
also
apply
to
water
which
is
polluted
except
that
the
agent
or
poison
is
often
obvious
and
the
water
carries
an
unpleasant
taste
or
appearance.
Potability
refers
to
the
drinkability
of
water.
When
potable,
it
is
fit
for
drinking.
When
unpotable
it
is
unfit
due
to
some
contaminant
or
pollutant.
|