Standard methods for the examination of water and sewage

This fourth edition brings together the expertise of leading public‑health and chemical societies to present a clear, step‑by‑step handbook for anyone tasked with testing water and sewage. Beginning with the practicalities of sample collection—how much water to gather, the right bottles, and timing between collection and analysis—it moves quickly into the core physical measurements such as temperature, turbidity, and odor. Readers also discover standardized color comparisons and the platinum‑wire turbidimetric method, giving them reliable ways to assess visual qualities of a sample.

In the chemistry sections, the book walks through the full suite of nitrogen, iron, manganese, and other metal determinations, explaining both classic titrations and newer colorimetric techniques. The bacteriological chapters detail preparation of media, incubation procedures, and a series of tests that distinguish fecal from non‑fecal coliforms, all illustrated with clear diagrams of apparatus. Together, these methods provide a solid foundation for producing trustworthy results, whether in a municipal lab or a field‑based testing unit.