In terms of water distribution, what do IOCs stand for?

In the context of water distribution, IOCs stands for Inorganic Contaminants. These are substances that can adversely affect the quality of water and human health. Inorganic contaminants can include elements such as heavy metals (like lead and mercury), nitrates, and fluoride, which can be found in water sources due to both natural occurrences and human activities such as industrial discharges or agricultural runoff.

Understanding the implications of inorganic contaminants is critical for water distribution systems, as regulatory agencies monitor these substances to ensure safe drinking water standards are met. This knowledge helps protect public health by minimizing the exposure to harmful levels of these contaminants in the water supply, thus playing a crucial role in water quality management.