Microbial water quality is the state of the water with respect to the presence of micro-organisms. Microbial water quality is usually indicated by reporting the count (number) of indicator organisms present in each volume of water.

Chemical water quality refers to the nature and concentration of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) such as salts, metals and organic chemicals. All determinants with a possible threat to health are listed.

Municipal drinking water in South Africa consistently tests at a TDS count of 150 or higher. There are exceptions where the count is lower. Oasis Water guarantees a TDS count of less than 20 under normal operating conditions.

Acute Health microbiological determinants are the organisms in drinking-water which could pose a risk to health if such water is consumed, e.g., E. coli which cause diarrhoea, and need urgent care.

• Acute Health Chemical: The presence of chemical contaminants in drinking water which could pose health risk, e.g., Nitrate with potential to block the flow of blood.

• Chronic Health Chemical: These are chemical contaminants such as trihalomethanes or lead when consumed over long period can cause irreversible diseases such as cancer.

Aesthetic parameters are those detectable by the senses, namely turbidity, colour, taste, and odour, the most known chemicals associated with taste are salts such as sodium/chloride.