Turbidity

Turbidity is basically a measurement of cloudiness in a water sample. It is caused by suspended matter, such as clay, silt, fine particles of organic and inorganic matter, and microscopic organisms. A turbid sample may not appear clear to the naked eye. Many things depending on the water source may cause turbidity. If you are dealing with surface water turbidity may be increase by soil erosion, waste discharge, runoff, stirred up sediment due to bottom feeders, microorganisms, and algae growth. Groundwater has higher turbidity for entirely different reasons. Groundwater typically will contain minerals from the geologic formations, and high levels of iron, manganese and tannins can cause the water to be discolored thus a higher turbidity.

How Is It Regulated?

The World Health Organization says that the turbidity should be no higher 5 NTU but ideally under 1 NTU. EPA’s surface water treatment rule requires systems using surface water or groundwater under the direct influence of surface water to 1.) disinfect their water and 2.) filter the water or meet the following criteria for avoiding filtration so the following contaminants are controlled at the following levels. Turbidity: at no time turbidity can go above 5 NTU. Systems that filter must ensure the turbidity goes no higher than 1 NTU (0.5 NTU for conventional or direct filtration) in at least 95% of samples taken in any month. As of January 1, 2002, turbidity must not exceed 1 NTU and 0.3 NTU in at least 95% of samples in any month.

How Do We Measure It?

The instrument used to measure turbidity is called a turbidimeter or nephelometer. These meters measure the intensity of light scattered at 90 degrees as a beam of light is passed through the water sample. The instrument can be a sophisticated laboratory meter, a simple handheld unit or equipment design for in-line or constant measurement.

How Do We Treat It?

There are many different ways to treat turbidity in water, but it is really dependent on what is causing the turbidity. Recommended Treatment: Distillation, Reverse Osmosis, or Cartridge Filtration

Contact Sanatoga Water Conditioning To Learn More Or To Schedule A Consultation.

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   Janet Bazzano 
 September 13, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent friendly service as always.
  
 
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   Tamie Taenzler 
 September 3, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gary gave us a call and was actually able to come early. We always appreciate that. He did a great job!
  
 
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   Rosemary Shellhamer 
 September 2, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Regular maintenance, all was good, technician was friendly and thorough.
  
 
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 August 27, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It's always nice to see JD.  He's always so helpful and cheerful! Thanks, JD!
  
 
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   Bernard Jurgelewicz 
 August 24, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent instalation service and customer service
  
 
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 August 18, 2026
 
 
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   Jim Fiorini 
 August 11, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Juan was right on time and called 20 minutes before arriving. He did a great job and was very considerate. Highly recommended
  
 
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   Dominick Staino 
 August 10, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This company always does a great job with installation and great customer service.  I highly recommend them for all your water needs.
  
 
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   Amirali Shojaeian 
 August 8, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gary and George were absolute professionals and excellent to work with. Highly recommend Sanatoga.
  
 
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   Sue Gengaro 
 August 7, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was friendly, respectful, seemed to know his business, I said seemed since I don't know how the business works.