For which parameter is continuous monitoring required to meet EPA regulations?

Continuous monitoring is specifically required for turbidity to ensure the protection of public health in accordance with EPA regulations. Turbidity, which refers to the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by large numbers of individual particles, can indicate the presence of pathogens or contaminants in drinking water. High turbidity levels can interfere with disinfection processes and can shield microorganisms from the effects of disinfectants like chlorine. Therefore, continuous monitoring of turbidity helps utilities promptly detect increases that could signal compromised water quality, allowing for swift corrective actions.

While pH levels, chlorine residual, and fluoride levels are important parameters to monitor in water treatment, they do not specifically carry the same regulatory requirement for continuous monitoring under EPA guidelines. These parameters may be sampled regularly but do not necessitate the same level of constant oversight that turbidity does, highlighting the critical role that real-time turbidity monitoring plays in ensuring safe drinking water.