How does stagnant water differ from formation water?

Stagnant water differs from formation water primarily in its temperature, pH, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), and total dissolved solids (TDS). Formation water, which is groundwater that has been trapped beneath the earth's surface, usually has characteristics influenced by the surrounding geology, temperature gradients, and mineral content over time.

In contrast, stagnant water, often found in ponds or pools that do not circulate freely, tends to exhibit fluctuations in these parameters due to factors like temperature changes in the environment, exposure to atmospheric conditions, evaporation, and the accumulation of organic matter or pollutants. As a result, the pH may differ due to organic decay, the ORP can vary because of microbial activity, and TDS levels can be significantly higher or lower depending on surrounding inputs.

This variance highlights the distinction in chemical and physical properties that often exists between stagnant water and formation water, making it an important factor when analyzing water quality or when considering environmental impacts.