Water: Standardization for an Essential Resource and Precious Commodity
Water is becoming a prominent topic in global settings as drought and population pressures increase the need for abundant
sources of water. Water is considered to be one of the biggest resources and most important commodities in the 21st
Century. Population pressures and rising demand combined with declining fresh water supplies is creating a tension and
stress on communities and businesses worldwide. As the effects of climate change become clearer the changes in water
rainfall patterns are exacerbating this increasingly challenging situation.
As defined by ASTM Committee D19 on Water, the term "water" includes, but is not limited to, surface waters (rivers, l
akes, artificial impoundments, runoff, etc.), groundwaters and springwaters, wastewaters (mine drainage, landfill leachate,
brines, waters resulting from atmospheric precipitation and condensation (with the exception of acid deposition), process
waters, potable waters, glacial melt waters, steam, water for subsurface injection and water discharges including waterborne
materials and water-formed deposits.
In an effort to continue to meet the expanding need for standardized practices and methods for water testing, transport,
recycling, and safety, ASTM has compiled a listing of its current portfolio of standards related to Water.
Within the topic of Water as a Resource and Commodity, ASTM has identified five areas of interest.
To visit the ASTM Water Portal relevant to your interests, click on the links below.