This document discusses water quality and its characteristics. It covers three main parameters: physical, chemical, and biological. Physical parameters include turbidity, color, taste, odor, and temperature. Common chemical characteristics are total dissolved solids, alkalinity, pH, hardness, and various minerals and elements. Biological characteristics refer to the presence of pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Testing for biological indicators typically involves analyzing for coliform bacteria like E. coli. Maintaining high water quality is important for public health as waterborne diseases can spread through fecal-oral transmission if water is contaminated.