What Is In Our Drinking Water?
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A simple question and a difficult one to answer because it depends ...
To show you what is in our drinking water (or I should say what might) let's look at the list of contaminants regulated by governmental bodies and how these impact upon safe drinking water
Drinking Water Contaminants
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. EPA sets standards for approximately 90 contaminants in drinking water. EPA's standards, along with each contaminant's likely source and health effects, are available at www.epa.gov/safewater/mcl.html . More detailed information on specific contaminants is available below:
Microbes ~ Radionuclides ~ Inorganics ~ Volatile Organics ~ Synthetic
Organics ~ Disinfectants ~ Disinfection Byproducts ~ MTBE ~ Health Advisories
Microbes Coliform bacteria
are common in the environment and are generally not harmful. However, the presence of these bacteria in drinking water is usually a result of a problem with the treatment system or the pipes which distribute water, and indicates that the water may be contaminated with germs that can cause disease.
Fecal Coliform and E coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms.
Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.
Cryptosporidium is a parasite that enters lakes and rivers through sewage and animal waste. It causes cryptosporidiosis, a mild gastrointestinal disease. However, the disease can be severe or fatal for people with severely weakened immune systems. EPA and CDC have prepared advice for those with severely compromised immune systems who are concerned about Cryptosporidium.
Giardia lamblia is a parasite that enters lakes and rivers through sewage and animal waste. It causes gastrointestinal illness (e.g. diarrhea, vomiting, cramps).
Rather than overwhelm the casual reader please click here to learn MUCH more about what is in our drinking water?
What Is In Our Drinking Water? Healthy Safe Drinking water