How do you know if a river is stagnant water?
In recent years, environmental protection and water resources management have become hot topics, especially the increasing attention to river water quality. Stagnant water refers to a water body with poor fluidity and weak self-purification ability. It is easy to breed bacteria and algae, posing a threat to the ecological environment and human health. So, how to judge whether the river water is stagnant water? This article will conduct analysis from multiple angles and provide structured data to help readers quickly master the judgment method.
1. Observe the fluidity of water bodies

The most significant characteristic of stagnant water is poor fluidity. Here are a few ways to determine the fluidity of a body of water:
| Judgment index | Living water characteristics | Backwater Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| water ripples | There are continuous ripples in the same direction | Few ripples or static |
| Floaters move | Floating objects move with the current | Floating objects stay for a long time |
| sound of water flow | Can hear the sound of water flowing | Quiet and no sound |
2. Testing water quality indicators
Water quality testing is a scientific method to determine stagnant water. The following are key water quality indicators and their normal ranges:
| indicator | normal range | Stagnant water may manifest |
|---|---|---|
| Dissolved oxygen (DO) | ≥5 mg/L | <3 mg/L |
| Ammonia nitrogen content | <0.5 mg/L | >1 mg/L |
| Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) | <15 mg/L | >30 mg/L |
| Transparency | >50cm | <30 cm |
3. Observe biological activities
Healthy rivers usually have rich biodiversity, while stagnant water has little biological activity. Here is a comparison of biological activity:
| creature type | Living water environment | backwater environment |
|---|---|---|
| fish | Many types and frequent activities | Few species, slow activity |
| aquatic plants | Even distribution and healthy growth | Overbreeding or wilting |
| insect larvae | Common mayflies and dragonfly larvae | Mainly mosquito larvae |
4. Smell and see colors
Stagnant water is often accompanied by odor and abnormal color due to the decomposition of organic matter:
| Sensory indicators | Living water performance | backwater performance |
|---|---|---|
| smell | No obvious odor | rancid or fishy smell |
| color | clear or natural green | Black, green or turbid |
| bubble | Occasionally a small amount | Continuously large amounts |
5. Comprehensive judgment and response suggestions
If you find that the river water may be stagnant, it is recommended to take the following measures:
1.Report to relevant department: Contact the local environmental protection department or water bureau to provide the specific location and observations.
2.avoid direct contact: Stagnant water may contain harmful substances, do not swim or drink.
3.Participate in water quality monitoring: Many areas have citizen science projects where the public can participate in simple water quality testing.
4.Promote environmental awareness: Share water resources protection knowledge in the community and reduce polluting behaviors.
Through the above methods and data, we can scientifically determine whether the river water is stagnant water. Protecting river health requires everyone's attention and action. Let us work together to protect precious water resources.
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