Not only are they powerful symbols of our state, they provide drinking water, recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat, water for agriculture and industry, etc. Many species of fish, invertebrates Habitats for , plants and wildlife, these bodies of water provide valuable services or benefits to humans, called 'ecosystem services'. Federal and state laws regulate water quality to protect these beneficial uses. Water quality standards specify the conditions that water must meet to protect these particular uses. Measuring lakes and rivers against water quality standards tells us which bodies of water need to be restored and protected, and determines how to limit pollutant emissions from public and private organizations. Developing, implementing, and enforcing water quality standards are costly for state agencies, local governments, businesses, and taxpayers. But the standard benefits the state by protecting Minnesota's lakes, rivers, and streams, as well as ecosystem services that Minnesotans appreciate. The most obvious benefit of water quality standards is to protect government water so that we can use it the way we want and need it, whether for drinking, swimming, fishing or irrigation. However, the standard has a less obvious but important advantage. Water is an integral part of our lives and gives life to all life on earth. It is very important to ensure that this water is of impeccable quality. Water testing provides valuable data on the condition of a particular body of water and whether it requires special treatment before use. Examining factors such as pH, nutrient levels, dissolved oxygen levels, alkalinity, and bacteria can help you understand the condition of your water body, and the data can be used to create accurate water management plans. This article from ECO Environmental examines the benefits of water testing before evaluating some of the popular water quality meters on the market today. Whether it is groundwater, surface water or open water, there are several reasons why regular water testing is important. Investing in water testing is the first step if you want to build a solid foundation for building a more comprehensive water management plan. These tests also help you meet strict licensing requirements and comply with Australian law. By determining the health of your water, you can identify where you need help. Ultimately, finding sources of pollution and being proactive in monitoring can save you money in the long run. The more information you have, the better you can make decisions about the products you need to improve your water conditions. Each body of water has its own characteristics that can only be discovered through testing, so it is not advisable to speculate and purchase products based solely on speculation or general trends. Another important advantage of water testing. Because the less oxygen, the hotter the water, the more toxic environment for aquatic life. These levels do fluctuate slightly across the seasons, but regular monitoring of your water quality will allow you to discover trends over time, and whether there are other factors that may be contributing to the results you discover. In order to undertake water quality testing, you’ll need the right equipment for the job. Depending on the type of water you require the testing for, you may need a water quality meter, a water sampler, or a low flow groundwater pump.