Monitoring water quality parameters from municipal water intakes

Using regression analysis, this study compared the chemical and physical characteristics of lake water collected at the intake point of water treatment plants with the characteristics of untreated (raw) water drawn into the plants. Water quality was monitored at each of three intakes (Lorain, Cleveland, Mentor) on the Ohio shore of Lake Erie on four dates over a 12-month period. Significant regression equations were determined for 14 variables, including temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, nitrogen, phosphorus, silica, sodium, chloride, suspended solids, turbidity, and chlorophyll.