The Source of Water and Contaminates

It is important to understand the source of our water supply and how it is processed for consumption.

Quick Glance: Water is Essential

As the module continues it is important to understand the source of our water supply and how it is processed for consumption. Much of the world is made of water and it is that water supply that we drink every day. Surface and groundwater contribute to our water supply. Different types of contaminants from landfills, water storage tanks, and fertilizers and pesticides seep into our supply. However, through diverse processes, we are able to clean and purify that water for consumption.

Explore: The Water Cycle

As you read in the previous lesson, water is essential to life. Water grows our food, powers turbines for electricity, and is crucial for industry and manufacturing. Water is necessary for our landscapes and provides a habitat for wildlife. It is estimated between 70 and 75 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered with water, more than 96 percent of which is too salty for most human uses. The EPA estimates that only 1% of the earth’s water is available for human consumption. The rest is for agriculture, industry, and our oceans. So, with that being established, how do we obtain our water supply for drinking and food preparation?

The image below is a good visual resource in explaining how this happens.

Our Water Supply

So, how does water begin? It starts out as rain or snow and flows into our local lakes, rivers, and streams or into underground aquifers. The drinking water that is supplied to our homes comes from either surface water or groundwater. However, oftentimes this water is contaminated.

See the presentation below on some of the common contaminants.

So How Does The Water Get Contaminated?

According to the CDC, Over 286 million Americans get their tap water from a community water system. This means the Community Water System serves at least 25 homeowners and serves them year-round. In most cases, the Community Water System services water to more than 25 homeowners.

Over 15 million U.S. households rely on private water wells for drinking water. Private water wells should be protected from contamination. The well should be located so rainwater flows away from it because rainwater can pick up harmful bacteria and chemicals on the land’s surface. It is quite important that the person that digs and installs your well be properly trained, licensed, and insured.

Check out this presentation on general concerns with pollution in our water.

Challenge

So do you think you understand water? Try the challenge below to test your knowledge.

Takeaway: What Is Your Takeaway?

What's In Your Water? Have you seen the movie Erin Brockovich? Some of you have. It was produced in the year 2000 and chronicled the life and case of a legal assistant who was involved in the largest settlement ever paid in a direct-action lawsuit in U.S. history which was $333 million. Erin believed that the Pacific Gas and Electric company was responsible for leaking Hexavalent Chromium into the water supply in Southern California. Citizens around the area had higher rates of cancers due to the consumption of water that was given to livestock, plants, and general drinking water. There have been other cases all around the US where factories have been responsible and damaged the environment and human lives. This is why there are guidelines and procedures in place by the EPA and local agencies to protect Americans against pollution and contaminated water.

IMAGES CREATED BY GAVS OR OPENSOURCE