A routine chemical analysis tests water for how many chemical parameters on average?

A routine chemical analysis of water typically evaluates around 15 chemical parameters, which can include constituents such as pH, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, hardness, and various ions (e.g., nitrates, phosphates, and metals). This standard set of parameters is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of water quality and safety, allowing for effective monitoring and assessment for both environmental health and human consumption.

Choosing 15 as the average reflects a balance between thoroughness and practicality, as including too few parameters may miss critical contaminants, while including too many could make testing unnecessarily complex and costly. It's important to note that in different contexts or specific requirements, the number of tested parameters may vary; however, 15 serves as a widely accepted average in many routine assessments.