Are you planning a beach holiday? If so, you probably know that the water quality varies from beach to beach. But why do some beaches have clear blue water while others don’t?
The answer to this question lies in the different elements that occur. If you want to go to a beach with clear water, you first have to find out what causes it. This blog will look at the different factors that affect beach water quality.
Why Do Some Beaches Have Clear Water?
First, every wave that washes over a shoreline delivers sand and silt that scours the seafloor surface and gathers at the water’s edge. But some beaches are almost always clear, even when the surf is roiling, while others are cloudy with sediment even when the water is calm.
The difference has to do with the shape of the sand particles. A new study found out that refined grains make water clearer.
The other reason is that coral reefs break up the water flow and dissipate the energy of waves as they approach the shore. It results in a reduction in wave height of around 10% to 20%. It also makes the water on the shore less choppy, and more water can be absorbed by the beach, so the likelihood of flooding is lessened. This effect is more noticeable in moderate waves than in extreme waves.
How Do We Measure Beach Water Quality?
The water quality on beaches is monitored to ensure they swim safely. Several measurements determine the ocean’s water quality and marine life’s health. The government and local authorities set criteria to test different water aspects. The most common tests are fecal and bacterial contamination, toxic chemicals, pH levels, and marine life. These tests are carried out in many different ways.
Special nets are dragged through the water to collect water samples and get an idea of how clean the water is. The nets measure how much oxygen is in the water, how much marine life is present, and how many bacteria are in the water.
Some beaches are regularly monitored by trained officials who take water and air quality samples. Some electronic monitors use remote sensors to test the water quality.
Why should you care about beach water quality?
Water quality is a vital aspect of human life, and most people don’t realize how much water quality can affect the quality of their lives. The water you drink, the water you bathe in, and even the water you play in can be greatly affected by the quality of the water around you.
Many people also think that water quality only has to do with a single type of water. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth as water quality can affect a large variety of things, including your health and the health of others.
The easiest way to get sick on the beach is to swallow a mouthful of bacteria-infested ocean water. Even if you don’t swallow, the pollution can still get you — and it’s not just a nausea-inducing, skin-burning, mind-numbing sickness. It’s also a kind that could make you very, very sick. Unfortunately, not enough people understand the importance of beach water quality.
Conclusion
The water of the beach is usually clear because of the sand. Sand is made of tiny pieces of various rocks. Rocks are made of minerals, and the minerals have dissolved in the water. The minerals from the sand give the water a cloudy appearance. The sand should get raked to make it smaller and keep the water clear.
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