Just Short Explanation: Turbidity is a measure of how clear or cloudy water is. It is caused by suspended particles, such as dirt, sand, algae, bacteria, or organic matter, that scatter light and reduce water transparency3. Turbidity can affect the color, taste, odor, and safety of drinking water. High turbidity levels can indicate the presence of harmful contaminants, such as pathogens, heavy metals, or pesticides, that can cause health problems2. Therefore, the water should be tested for turbidity to determine the cause and extent of the cloudiness and take appropriate actions to improve the water quality.
References:
* Why is my tap water cloudy? 3 common causes - and what to do
* Water Q&A: Why is my drinking water cloudy? Completed - USGS.gov
* Cloudy Drinking Water & How to Fix It