Reservoir reflecting a polluted sky transforming into a clear sky

Is Your Water Safe? Unveiling the Secrets of Reservoir Health

"Dive deep into the factors impacting water quality in reservoirs and how it affects your daily life."


Clean water is essential for our health and daily activities. Reservoirs, like the Sembrong in Johor, Malaysia, supply raw water that is treated for consumer use. Maintaining the cleanliness and quality of this water is crucial to prevent contamination and ensure it is safe for consumption.

Water quality can be affected by various factors, including sedimentation and pollutants, which can alter the health of the reservoir. To understand the impacts, it's essential to assess various parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH levels, ammonia nitrogen, and trophic status, which indicates the overall biological condition of the water.

This analysis looks into a study conducted on Sembrong Reservoir during the monsoon season to evaluate its water quality and trophic status. Understanding these factors can help us manage and protect our water resources more effectively.

Understanding Water Quality Parameters

Reservoir reflecting a polluted sky transforming into a clear sky

The study examined several key water quality parameters in Sembrong Reservoir. Temperature and pH levels showed little variation across different locations. However, dissolved oxygen levels varied, with the highest readings at locations 6 and 7, indicating better oxygenation in those areas. Adequate dissolved oxygen is vital for aquatic life.

Ammonia nitrogen levels were highest at location 1, closest to the inlet, suggesting a source of contamination entering the reservoir. Chlorophyll readings, indicative of algae growth, were also highest near the inlet area. High chlorophyll levels can lead to eutrophication, an over-enrichment of nutrients that degrades water quality.
Key factors impacting water quality:
  • Sedimentation
  • Pollution from agricultural runoff
  • Eutrophication
  • Ammonia nitrogen levels
Total phosphorus, another nutrient, was also highest at the inlet, further supporting the idea that the incoming river is carrying contaminants. These findings underscore the importance of managing pollutants entering the reservoir to maintain its health. The overall results indicated that the water quality was better in areas farther from the inlet, where the initial contaminants had been diluted or processed.

Protecting Our Water Resources

The study's findings suggest that Sembrong Reservoir faces challenges related to pollutant inputs, especially from the river feeding into it. Effective management strategies are needed to reduce these inputs and protect the reservoir's water quality. By understanding the factors that affect water quality, we can take steps to ensure clean, safe water for our communities.

Newsletter Subscribe

Subscribe to get the latest articles and insights directly in your inbox.