What are testing standards used for?

Testing standards are established protocols and guidelines that help ensure the safety and quality of water by evaluating its physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. They are crucial in identifying contaminants, measuring parameters such as pH, turbidity, and the presence of harmful microorganisms or chemicals, which can significantly affect human health and the environment. By consistently applying these standards, environmental health specialists can assess whether a water source meets safety regulations and determine if any corrective actions are needed to protect public health.

In contrast, assessing the number of water systems focuses on inventory rather than quality, regulating water prices pertains to economic policies rather than health standards, and evaluating water distribution methods examines logistics rather than the safety and quality of the water itself. All these aspects are important in the broader scope of water management but do not specifically relate to the core purpose of testing standards, which is to ensure and maintain water quality.