Understanding water quality

Learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

  • describe the chemical compositions of natural waters, and explain how and why these compositions vary
  • describe the main sources of water pollution, the main types of pollutant and how each type may be controlled
  • outline the extent of water pollution in the UK and in selected global locations
  • identify the criteria for drinking water acceptability in the EU, and outline the processes used to treat water for a public water supply
  • outline how sewage may be treated before discharge to the environment.