What is involved in water quality monitoring?

Water quality monitoring primarily involves testing water to assess its characteristics. This process is crucial for determining the presence of contaminants, checking the levels of various chemical compounds, and evaluating physical and biological indicators that can affect water quality. By conducting tests on water samples, scientists and environmental agencies can identify pollution sources, track changes over time, and ensure that water meets health and safety standards for various uses, such as drinking, recreation, and habitat for wildlife.

In contrast to other aspects listed, gathering data on rainfall patterns relates to hydrology and precipitation rather than the direct assessment of water quality. While regulating water usage in agriculture and managing water supply systems are important for overall water resource management, they do not specifically focus on measuring or evaluating the quality of water itself. Thus, the act of testing water to evaluate its characteristics is the central activity in the practice of water quality monitoring.