Water is an interesting substance because without it we would soon die, but it also represents one of the most serious health risks for humans and has existed throughout history. In fact, for most of human history, people did not drink water directly because of all the associated health risks. It is more common for people to drink wine or beer with lower alcohol content because it is safer to drink after it has been boiled, distilled, or otherwise processed during the fermentation process.
Fortunately, in the modern world, most people have reliable access to safe drinking water, but certainly not everyone. According to the World Health Organization, as of 2022, up to a quarter of the world’s population will have no reliable access to safe drinking water. Water problems come in many shapes and sizes, and have a variety of root causes. Let’s dig a little deeper and see what we can find.
Common pollutants that may affect water quality
There can be many potential contaminants in the water, so it is most helpful to separate them into different categories. The first category is sediments and minerals. Water is a powerful solvent, so it can dissolve rocks, dirt, organic matter, etc. and carry them with it in the form of small particles or completely dissolved in the water. Many minerals are good for us, such as calcium and selenium, but others, such as lead and arsenic, are considered unsafe at any level.
Another common class of contaminants are chemical contaminants such as VOCs (volatile organic compounds) found in paints, varnishes, solvents, fuel additives, glues and other industrial products, and PFA, which are moisture-resistant polymers such as Teflon dragon. All of our technological innovations come at a high price, in the form of poison that pervades our world and our bodies.
Finally, there are microbial problems in many waters. Water is an ideal medium for many organisms, including microscopic parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, as well as E. coli, E. coli, viruses, worms, and more. These threats are less significant if you are using city water, which has been treated with chlorine, chloramines, ozone, UV filtration, or some combination of the above to kill microorganisms.
Drinking water from different sources
You may get your water from one of two main sources: a city or municipal water treatment plant, or a local well or spring. Both city water and groundwater pose specific risks that should be considered when you are checking water quality and considering a filtration system. In the United States and other developed countries, city water is generally safe to drink, but not always. Even many large cities in first world countries have water problems, with high TDS and generally higher levels of pollutants, New York City and Los Angeles being two prime examples. The more concentrated the population is in a certain area, the greater the concentration of human waste, generated garbage, etc. This means municipal plants must work harder than ever to obtain safe and drinkable water, which is often achieved by increasing levels of chlorine and other disinfectants.
If you use well water, you face a different set of challenges. Most wells are not chlorinated, and many small wells are not regulated or tested at all, making the individual who draws water from the well liable. The biggest concern with well water is microbial contamination in the form of parasites, cysts, worms, viruses, and bacteria such as E. coli and E. coli. Well water is also high in sediment and tannins, substances produced by decaying plants that can stain the water a dark brown or tea color. There are many other possible contaminants that can be present in well water, so if you have any reason to suspect something is wrong with your water, be sure to send a water sample to an accredited laboratory for appropriate chemical testing.
Government regulations and standards
The U.S. government closely monitors the presence of various chemicals in drinking water systems and mandates annual testing of municipal water systems (which are always open to the public). In 1973, the U.S. Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), which listed a number of relevant contaminants and minimum safety standards for all cities. These laws have been revisited and updated as new and unexpected contaminants emerge. The law is publicly readable by all, and you can find much of what you want to know about your own drinking water in your city’s latest federally mandated water quality report.
How to test water at home (test kit, what to test)
There are some simple home tests you can do on your water to see how good it is. Water hardness is caused by elevated levels of calcium and magnesium and is one of the easiest things to test for. Just put some water in a glass, add a little dish soap, and stir. If the water becomes cloudy and opaque, it means the water has a high mineral content, or is hard water. If it’s still clear, your water is relatively soft. You can also buy pH test strips to get the same information, and there are other home tests that allow you to identify microorganisms in your water. However, for full spectrum analysis, it is best to mail your water sample to a local laboratory to obtain a complete chemical report. The cost of such testing is approximately $100.
Water filtration and purification methods
Water filtration is an ancient art, with earliest records dating back to the Egyptians and Mesopotamians. Early people quickly discovered that boiling water was safer to drink, as was passing water through charred logs, which was just a form of activated carbon filtration and greatly improved the taste and smell of the water. Today’s water filtration follows the same general rules, and the benefits associated with filtering water haven’t changed – we just have more options and technical features now. Basic water filters include sediment mesh filters to filter out particulate matter, activated carbon filters to filter out chemicals like chlorine and volatile organic compounds, and more powerful filters for when you want to remove almost everything in your water methods, such as reverse osmosis and deionization. Different methods have different goals, so first identify what’s in the water and then decide the best way to remove it.
Practical tips for ensuring safe drinking water
Use a water supply regularly to keep water flowing through your pipes. Allowing water to sit in pipes for too long can cause leaching or stagnation. Don’t let the water sit for too long – stagnant water attracts insects and dust, and will deteriorate over time. Check your city’s water quality regularly, and if you have any questions about the safety of your drinking water, get some lab tests done.
When to seek professional assistance
If your water has a serious problem with elevated lead levels, high levels of E. coli or bacteria, or any other type of contamination that is seriously worrisome, notify city officials and find out the truth. Don’t try to find the deadly contaminant on your own, contact a professional who knows how to test for and deal with it. If you are installing a home system, you may need to contact a plumber to do it for you, unless you are a skilled DIYer yourself.
bottom line
Our constant intake of water has a lot to do with our overall health and quality of life. If our water is poisoned, we will slowly become poisoned too. If our water was clean, rich in health-promoting minerals and nutrients, without any industrial sludge or synthetic chemicals, then we would feel better and live better. Take the time to get to know your water and treat it until you achieve the results you want.
