In a water treatment facility, what is a critical reason for monitoring turbidity levels?

Monitoring turbidity levels in a water treatment facility is crucial primarily because it serves as an indicator of the effectiveness of the filtration process. Turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness of water, which is usually caused by suspended solids such as silt, clay, and organic matter. When filtration systems are operating effectively, the turbidity levels should decrease significantly, demonstrating that these particles are being removed from the water.

If turbidity levels remain high after filtration, it suggests that the filtration system may not be functioning properly, which could compromise the treatment process and the safety of the water supply. Therefore, keeping a close watch on turbidity levels is essential for ensuring that filtration systems are achieving their intended purification goals, thus guaranteeing that the water meets health and safety standards.

While maintaining aesthetic quality, controlling chemical dosing, and measuring total dissolved solids are important aspects of water treatment, they do not directly indicate the performance of filtration in the same way that turbidity levels do. Therefore, focusing on turbidity provides specific insight into the filtration process's effectiveness.