Water Basic

Water & Contamination

Contaminations and Health Risks in our Water

There over 100,000 toxic chemicals in the world, thousands of chemical pollutants are in water with hundreds that can be traced to the water we drink. The root reason as to why our water is unsafe is pollution, which brings bacteria, germs, inorganic matters, organic matters, composed materials, radioactive metals, heavy solids, and acid-rain to our water sources.

When ordinary tap water comes through our faucets, sinks, showers, and tubs it contain numerous toxins. The following are contaminates that are commonly found in our tap water and how they may affect our body.

Chlorine

When the regional water treatment facilities disinfect our water with chlorine, the chlorine reacts with natural organic compounds creating chlorination by-products. These trigger the production of free-radicals that are carcinogenic. When consumed, these destroy body cells and damage tissues.

Trihalomethanes

(commonly referred as THM's) – are the most common disinfection by-product. They are formed when chlorine reacts with organic materials such as decaying vegetation found in lakes and reservoirs.

Chloramine

It is formed when chlorine reacts with ammonia. It is a more cost effective and popular disinfectant agent than chlorine in our local water facilities. Chloramine is toxic to fishes and amphibians. People with weakened immune systems, such as young children, elderly persons or people undergoing chemo therapy, should be cautious of water disinfected with chloramine.

VOCs

Volatile Organic Compounds are organic chemicals that are either leached into or discharged into ground water, lakes, and streams. They originate in wastewater from chemical, plastic, or petroleum plants, landfills, dry cleaners, or gasoline storage tanks.

Lead

Although rarely found in natural source water, it enters our tap water from corrosion of plumbing materials, such as lead pipes, fixtures and solder. Lead poisoning can occur even in low levels. There are a variety of adverse health effects when lead is present in drinking water. For instance, delays in physical and mental development, reading and learning disabilities. More lead information.

Bacteria

When bacteria and pathogenic (disease-causing) organisms are present in drinking water, they can cause a variety of illnesses such as typhoid fever, cholera, dysentery, hepatitis, shigellosis. Pathogenic bacteria are often found in unchlorinated private water supplies and stored water.

Pesticides

Although pesticide contamination in groundwater and surface water is not widespread, it can occur and is an increasing concern, especially in agricultural areas.

Odor and Taste

The predominant tastes and odors are “chlorinous,” caused by the disinfection process. The musty or earthy color is caused by algae. The “rotten-egg” is smell caused by a lack of oxygen. Algae are not known to have caused severe illness in people. However, if the algae are producing toxins, animals and humans could become ill by consuming untreated water.

* Note: The amount of contaminants in your drinking water may vary depending on where you live. For further information, please contact your local water district.

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