“Unmasking “fresh water”
Until recently I hadn’t given much attention to the type of water consumed both by myself and by my family. During a recent geology lecture I was shocked, appalled and amazed to discover how little treatment is actually conducted on water before it is released back into the original source. In an effort to better understand the subject, I have reviewed many materials both online and in print. I have contacted my city and spoken to several experts on the topic. I have learned that not all municipalities treat waste water in the same way. In some cases cities are aware of the ramifications and limitations of standard water treatment and are seeking assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency or other sources …show more content…
It is removed from the source and funneled through screens to remove debris, chemicals are added to rapidly moving water to make small particulates stick together and to improve taste. The water is then slowed allowing the remaining partials to sink to the base of the water tank. The water is then filtered through sand and coal to remove any remaining particulates that escaped the chemical treatment. Finally chlorine and other chemicals aimed at removing bacteria are added to the water in addition to a chemical used to neutralize the lead pipes in the drinking …show more content…
Detectable levels of such drugs as Ibuprofen, Bisphenol A and others have been discovered in treated waste water and the invertebrates that inhabit the immediate areas. (Huerta) Algae blooms are becoming a common occurrence in our Ohio waters fed by phosphates that are either not removed in treatment or that enter our waters from farm field run off. These contaminants are finding their way into our drinking water as well, causing headaches and unexpected costs for municipalities and consumers
Until recently I hadn’t given much attention to the type of water consumed both by myself and by my family. During a recent geology lecture I was shocked, appalled and amazed to discover how little treatment is actually conducted on water before it is released back into the original source. In an effort to better understand the subject, I have reviewed many materials both online and in print. I have contacted my city and spoken to several experts on the topic. I have learned that not all municipalities treat waste water in the same way. In some cases cities are aware of the ramifications and limitations of standard water treatment and are seeking assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency or other sources …show more content…
It is removed from the source and funneled through screens to remove debris, chemicals are added to rapidly moving water to make small particulates stick together and to improve taste. The water is then slowed allowing the remaining partials to sink to the base of the water tank. The water is then filtered through sand and coal to remove any remaining particulates that escaped the chemical treatment. Finally chlorine and other chemicals aimed at removing bacteria are added to the water in addition to a chemical used to neutralize the lead pipes in the drinking …show more content…
Detectable levels of such drugs as Ibuprofen, Bisphenol A and others have been discovered in treated waste water and the invertebrates that inhabit the immediate areas. (Huerta) Algae blooms are becoming a common occurrence in our Ohio waters fed by phosphates that are either not removed in treatment or that enter our waters from farm field run off. These contaminants are finding their way into our drinking water as well, causing headaches and unexpected costs for municipalities and consumers