Water becomes turbid when there are suspended particulates able to diffract light. Most people find turbid water unappealing to drink.
Microbial causes of water turbidity:
(1) bacteria
(2) algae
(3) phytoplankton
Other causes of water turbidity:
(1) plant debris
(2) soil run-off from farms and forest
(3) sediments from the bottom of the body of water
(4) urban and roadway run-off from rainwater sewers
(5) waste discharge
(6) insect larvae
Turbidity has some correlation with the risk of becoming sick after drinking the water. Filtering the water will often remove particulates but does not purify the water.
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