The best way to find out the quality is by obtaining a water analysis through a lab. Seasonal changes occur naturally in lakes, ponds and reservoirs naturally that change the water. However, if your water source is have hard, or contaminated with sodium, sulfide, or any number of heavy metals, your first step may be treating, or filtering before using. Whether gardening in an organic soil environment or aquaponic garden, water is needed and it needs to be of good quality. Testing is the only way you will truly know what you have,clear water is not necessarily good water. Success will come easier with a good quality water supply. Another thing that you need to know and keep in mind is that the quality can change at any time, and just because you had it tested and the water source was good doesn't mean that the quality will stay that way through the entire season or year, continual testing is also important.

Aquaponics, as with any method of gardening, water quality is a crucial issue, and with the right combination of nutrients to water you are off to a great start.