pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution

Pure water is said to be neutral or consisting of a pH of 7

When testing pH you are not testing for the presence or absence of pH, you are testing the level of pH

Ammonia and nitrogen may find its way into waterways through fertilizer use.

Aquatic life and fish also add to ammonia and nitrogen levels.

Plants are more tolerant of ammonia than animals, and invertebrates are more tolerant than fish

The major impact of nitrates/nitrites on fresh water bodies is that of enrichment or fertilization called eutrophication.

Chlorine is most commonly used as a disinfectant in water because it is effective against a wide range of microorganisms

Kills disease producing bacteria

Chromium occurs in natural water sources at low levels

High levels of chromium may occur from runoff from electroplating, chrome, or preservatives in wood

Plants and animals do mot bioaccumulate chromium

Acute toxicity occurs in the form of skin lesions and may lead to cancer

Copper is an essential element to the human body

Large doses may cause liver damageMay accumulate in natural water

sources from sewage or industrial wastes

Cyanide is extremely toxic It may be present in water

containing waste from metal finishing

Iron is found in most natural waters and tap water (found in abundance in the earths crust)

Iron is a trace element required by both plants and animals (allows blood to transfer oxygen)

There is no real negative health affects from iron

Nitrogen occurs in natural waters as nitrate (NO3), nitrite (NO2), ammonia (NH3), and organically bound nitrogen.

Sewage is the main source of nitrates added by humans to rivers.

Another important source is fertilizers, which can be carried into creeks by stormwater runoff.

Excessive nitrates stimulate growth of algae and other plants, which later decay and decrease the amount of oxygen in the water.

Phosphorus is another nutrient essential for plant growth

Large amounts of phosphates in water can lead to excessive algal growth

Phosphates are commonly used as fertilizers and household detergents

Is often found in natural watersSilica is found in the exoskeleton of

diatoms which are found in most natural waters

Sulfide may be found in water as a result of microorganisms decomposing plants

High concentrations create a rotten egg odor