What kind of sound is the water running from the faucet in your home? Do you think you’re safe drinking bottled water? You best answer in the affirmative. Water systems in both urban and rural areas are regulated by health institutions. Guidelines are set, setting an upper limit for the amount of any potential pollutant per given volume.
In most cities, drinking water is chlorinated to kill harmful organisms such as bacteria and parasites. In some other communities, it is also fluoridated for tooth protection. These chlorinating and fluoridating processes are only perfect considering that water from any system can easily be contaminated by any of more than a hundred known contaminants. There is also a risk of hazardous chemicals hazardous being found in water systems from septic tanks or from neighboring farms. In fact, herbicides or pesticides that you want to spray in your backyard garden are potential contaminants as they can seep through the pipes to your kitchen faucets.
There are two main sources of water sound: surface water and ground water. The former refers to water from reservoirs, lakes and rivers passing through treatment plants. Groundwater, on the other hand, refers to water from an artesian or deep well. Whichever source it is, the most important water disinfection is subject to chlorination. But this process of disinfection is very different from the process of purification. In fact, the particular chlorine parasite known as Cryptosporidium minor exists in very small numbers in most surface water. In high concentrations, this intestinal parasites can cause problems.
Harmful organisms, which are the target of disinfection and purification processes, may be only half of what is most disturbing the sound of drinking water. The amount of chlorine, lead and nitrates in tap water should be a cause for concern. For example, a significantly large amount of chlorine added to the water (perhaps necessary after a rain shower to fight an equally large number of contaminants) with acids completely destroying the plant which fall into the water and create a harmful chemical product known as trihalomethanes. This chemical, in high concentrations, is known to cause colon and bladder cancer over time.
Lead is a strong concern, especially in an older area where lead pipes still serve as water lines. Lead Lead poisoning is a mineral that can damage the kidneys, nerves, and even the brain. Pure lead water can make 20,000 liters of safe drinking water. If you live in an old community and you know that the water lines in your area haven’t been replaced in years, make it a point to run your faucets for a few minutes before drinking water from them. This practice will help your lead pipes shine.
Nitrates are not really a big concern in urban communities. The problem is more in rural areas. Nitrates are primarily released from manure runoff, although they also originate from both animal and human waste. In high concentrations, nitrates can substantially reduce the amount of oxygen carried by the blood. This can be dangerous for children.
If you are concerned about the condition of the water from your taps, or are concerned that it contains large doses of chlorine, lead or nitrates, ask the water supplier in your area to provide you with a safety report. You can also have an independent laboratory test your water to confirm (or deny) its suitability for drinking.
