ABSTRACT
In evaluating water pollution impacts associated with the construction and operation of a potential project, point sources and non-point sources of water pollutants should be considered. The effects of pollution sources on receiving water quality are manifold and dependent upon the type and concentration of pollutants. River water quality studies are often required for establishing baseline conditions, setting quality criteria and standards, monitoring temporal changes, and determining the impacts of specific projects and developments. Water pollution impacts may be visible in terms of floating debris and the occurrence of dead fish. Water quality impacts can occur from many types of projects, including the construction and operation of multi-purpose reservoirs, industrial complexes, and housing developments. Water quality represents a term associated with the composite analysis of physical, chemical, and bacteriological parameters. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
