Which term describes the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by particles?

The term that describes the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by particles is turbidity. Turbidity refers to the degree to which water loses its transparency due to the presence of suspended particles, which can include silt, clay, microorganisms, and organic matter. High turbidity often indicates poor water quality and can affect both the aesthetic appearance of water and its suitability for drinking, swimming, or other uses.

Monitoring turbidity is essential in water treatment and distribution processes because it can impair the effectiveness of disinfection processes and may signal the presence of harmful contaminants. In contrast, clarity refers to the transparency of water without implying the presence of suspended particles, while potability refers to the safety of water for drinking. Contamination denotes the presence of harmful substances or microorganisms but does not specifically address the cloudiness caused by particulate matter.