What is the protocol for monitoring turbidity levels in a water treatment facility?

Monitoring turbidity levels in a water treatment facility is crucial for ensuring water quality and safety. The correct answer involves a frequency of every 15 minutes, which reflects the need for continuous oversight in real-time. Turbidity measurements are essential in evaluating water clarity, indicating the presence of suspended particles that can affect both treatment processes and the safety of the water supply.

Frequent monitoring allows operators to quickly identify any fluctuations in turbidity levels, which can signal issues such as the effectiveness of filtration processes or the intrusion of contaminants. This high frequency of measurement is beneficial to ensure immediate responses to any changes, thereby maintaining compliance with health regulations and ensuring that the water remains safe for consumption.

In comparison, longer intervals such as every 30 minutes, every 1 hour, or every 2 hours might not provide the timely data needed to respond to rapid changes in water quality that can occur due to operational variances or external influences. Thus, frequent monitoring every 15 minutes is a best practice in the industry.