Cloudiness of water is described by which term?

Prepare for the American Water Works Water Treatment Plant Operator Test. Study with multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready to excel!

Cloudiness is described by turbidity, which is a measure of light scattering caused by suspended particles in the water. When fine solids, silt, algae, or microorganisms are present, they scatter light and make the water look cloudy. Turbidity is a standard water-quality parameter used to judge how clear water is and to help guide treatment steps, since higher turbidity can hinder disinfection and indicate process issues. Color refers to dissolved substances that tint water, not the cloudiness; clarity is a general idea of how transparent water is but does not specify the measurement; sedimentation is the process of particles settling out, not the current level of cloudiness.