What parameter is crucial for assessing the potability of water?

Turbidity is a critical parameter for assessing the potability of water because it indicates the presence of suspended particles, which can harbor pathogens and other contaminants that compromise water quality and safety. High turbidity levels may signal microbial contamination, making it essential for ensuring that the water is safe for human consumption.

While salinity, temperature, and color can provide useful information about water quality, they do not directly reflect the health risks associated with drinking water. For example, salinity primarily indicates the concentration of salt in water, which is less relevant for assessing microbiological safety. Temperature can influence the growth of harmful microorganisms, but it does not measure the contamination level itself. Color can indicate the presence of certain organic materials or minerals but does not provide a direct assessment of water safety. This makes turbidity the most significant parameter in determining the immediate potability of water.