A monitoring, detection and alarm for water systems includes a plurality of sensing components for detecting the presence of target contaminants in water and for measuring the overall quality of the water. The apparatus contains water sensing components, a database for storing sensor data and processors for data analysis using artificial intelligence. The apparatus provides control logic to take responsive action based on the results of the detection of the target contaminants. Responsive action includes, but is not limited to, generation of reports and alarm signals that are delivered in near real-time to users of the system.