Drinking water should be colorless, odorless and flavorless; this means that there are no organisms and sediments in the water, but it does not mean that if your drinking water look, smells and taste clean, that does not mean that there is nothing else it.Water also contains dissolved solids: •Sulfur •Calcium •MagnesiumIf water contains a lot of dissolved calcium and magnesium it is called hard water. But soft water contains less calcium and magnesium. Dissolved solids are just one factor that can affect water quality.Different ways how humans activities can affect water quality: People are part of the water cycle.
We take fresh water from rivers, lakes and underground. We use it for different purposes. All of these activities add substances to the water and many of these substances are pollutants that can harm living things.Such as: •Urban run-off •Air Pollution •Industrial Waste •Treated Sewage •Oil SpillsSome pollutants occur naturally in the environment and others do not.
People add substances to the water that do not occur naturally in the environment. These are called Toxic substances.Toxic Substances are used for: •Agriculture •Manufacturing •Production •Mining •RefiningToxic substances cause environmental problems because they can remain in the water for a very long time. Acid Precipitation is cause by dissolved Sulfur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide in the atmosphere. These waste gases are caused by cold burning industries, metal smelters and auto mobiles. These chemicals return to Earth in precipitation that can be more acidic than vinegar.
Organisms in Water Organisms play an important role in food chains that begin with microscopic plants and animals. Other organisms can live in water that is slightly polluted, although some organisms can only survive in unpolluted water that has lots of oxygen. Scientists can determine the quality of the water by observing the numbers and kind of different organisms that live in water systems.Water Monitoring Water is vitally important to every aspect of our lives. Monitoring the quality of surface water will help protect our waterways from pollution. Farmers can use the information to help better manage their land and crops.
Our local, state and national governments use monitoring information to help control pollution levels. We can use this information to understand exactly how we impact our water supply and to help us understand the important role we all play in water conservation.Treatment of Water 1. Water in a river or lake moves through an intake pipe. A screen keeps out debris and fish.
2. Pumps move water to the treatment plant.3.Chemicals are added.
They stick to suspended materials and most bacteria.4. The suspended solids settle to the bottom of a huge settling tank.5. The water is pumped through filter beds of sand and grave. These help trap smaller particles of suspended material, leaving drinkable water.
6. Chlorine or ozone may be added to kill remaining bacterias. Fluoride is added for tooth protection.7. The clean, drinkable water is delivered through underground pipes to homes.
