Looking specifically at the supply of drinking water within the community, the level of dissolved oxygen determines the overall taste of that drinking water. If the DO level is high, the drinking water you consume will have a better flavor and you will probably prefer it. However, it is important to understand that high DO levels actually have a negative impact on the various components and systems used in the distribution and treatment of drinking water. For example, if the DO level is too high, water pipe corrosion can accelerate.

In addition to the measure of treatment, turbidity can affect the taste and odor of drinking water. It is important to reduce water turbidity to disinfect it effectively. Turbidity functions as a shielding to a pathogen, and particles that cause turbidity can absorb bacteria and viruses.

Conductivity is a useful and general measure of water quality. All bodies of water tend to have a relatively constant conductivity range, and once established, they can be used as a basis for comparison with regular conductivity measurements. In general, human disturbance tends to increase the amount of dissolved solids that enter the body of water, resulting in increased conductivity. Water with increased conductivity may also indicate other obstacles or altered indicators.