3.3.1. Drinking Water Testing:
In the study, the quality of drinking water was tested therefore, the best method was to collect water samples directly from the taps that are used for human consumption in three different areas (shown by A, B and C in figure 1), these three samples were collected from different sections in Kokstad. Due to the cost of testing the samples, only one sample could be collected per area. The taps were first sterilized by wiping it with a clean cloth, making sure the samples are not contaminated. Water was collected and stored in 200ml sterilized bottles the morning of travelling to the laboratory, these were kept in a cooler box and transported to the nearest laboratory (accredited laboratory called Umgeni waters in
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The reason for collecting the water sample the morning of traveling is to preserve the water sample, the fresher the sample the more accurate the results and the sterilized bottle ensures that the sample is not contaminated. The microbiological, physical and chemical parameters such as; Alkalinity, Appearance, Calcium, Chloride (soluble), Colour, Combined Nitrate & Nitrite Ratio, Conductivity @ 25°C, E. coli, Fluoride , Iron, Total hardness , Heterotrophic Plate Counts @ 37°C, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese, Sodium, Nitrite (soluble), Nitrate (soluble), Odour, pH, Sulphate (soluble), Total organic carbon, Total Coliforms and Turbidity were measured and tested against SANS 241: 2015 (Umgeni Waters, 2017). Due to lack of equipment the turbidity Cl2 and pH could not be tested on site, …show more content…
We commonly say drinking water has good physical qualities if it tastes good, is clear, is cool and has no smell (CAWST, 2013). Even though physical has no direct effect on health, it does indicate a higher risk of chemical and microbiological contamination which may be harmful to human health (CAWST, 2013). An example is turbidity, high turbidity levels are associated with higher levels of microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa and viruses because they attach themselves to water particle (CAWST, 2013). There are three ways to measure turbidity namely, simple estimate, and quantitative estimate by using a turbidity tube or by using a digital turbidimeter (CAWST, 2013). A turbidimeter which is battery or power operator gives a digital reading of turbidity levels while the simple estimate and the turbidity tube visually estimate turbidity levels (CAWST, 2013). According to CAWST (2013) the severity health effects associated with chemicals depend on the exposure length and the chemical itself, there are only a few chemicals that can lead to health problems after a short exposure time such as nitrates. Testing all of the chemicals that could cause health problems is not possible, most of these chemicals are rare and are a result of human contamination of a small area which affects only a few water resources (CAWST, 2013).
As the bottled water becomes more popular, people prefer to drink bottle water over tap water. According to them, it has a better quality and taste. Unfortunately, people are being fooled by the water industries. The “purified” water, as its label, comes from municipal reserves. This research will discuss:
I chose to watch the Frontline episode on “Poisoned Waters”. This documentary showed the environmental issues involving case studies on the Chesapeake Bay and Puget Sound. By examining how these rising pollutants along with industrial contaminants like PCB, lead, mercury and agricultural pollution. America has kept from making many of the nation’s waterways fishable and swim able again. This was a goal set by Congress nearly four decades ago.
This is because only a small part of the population, particularly in developing countries, have access to water of acceptable quality. It is estimated that in some countries only 20% of the rural population has water of satisfactory quality. Based on these statistics, it is clear the urgent need for awareness about caring for water use. Almost without realizing it, we are seriously jeopardizing this essential resource, not for us but for our children's children and their generations, aware that in other parts o...
Drinking water is one of our basic needs in order to survive, therefore the water that we drink and cook with must be of a high quality, and filtered of any harmful contaminants.
Water quality is a complex term to evaluate. The health of a water ecosystem depends on so many variables. These parameters are each intertwined and connected. For simplicity there are several mainstream parameters that are used in conjunction with each other to determine the water s quality. These include: alkalinity, ammonia content, carbon dioxide, chlorine, nitrates, dissolved oxygen, phosphates, temperature, and turbidity. The most visible sign of poor water quality is reduced animal populations. Almost all animals will suffer if pollutants are in the water supply. There are several ways to lower pollution levels in water.
1999, 71, 181-215. Minear, R., Amy, G.. Water Disinfection and Natural Organic Matter: History and Overview. ACS Symposium Series -. 1996, 649, 1-9. Richardson, S. Water Analysis: Emerging Containments and Current Issues. Journal of Analytical Chemistry. 2003, 75, 2831-2857.
The consumption of contaminated water can be dangerous for health reasons and several people have passed away from these water-borne diseases. Some of these diseases include Cholera, Typhoid, Dysentery, Giardiasis, and Malaria. These unfortunate diseases are currently the cause of numerous deaths, especially in small children. The availability of clean water can prevent many problems in low-income communities. The available resources for clean water are very rare, so these water sources need to pass through a process of water sanitation in order to just be sustainable to drink, “The world’s surface is made up of approximately 80% water, which is an indestructible substance.
Drinking water is essential to life, yet it is naturally exposed to pathogens and chemical, physical and radiological contaminants. These organisms can affect human health, both in the short-term and the long-term, and are known to contribute to a large range of adverse health effects including cancer, neurological disorders, reproductive problems, the disruption of the endocrine system, and gastrointestinal illnesses. For these reasons, it is important that standards and guidelines are set to protect the human population. Standards ensure that our water is safe, clean, tasty and healthy.
The RNAO states “World Health Organization data suggests that environmental factors account for 24 per cent of the world’s burden of disease and 23 per cent of all deaths” (2012). Environmental determinants of health is mainly centered on whether not the area has clean air and water. This is because air and water are used in every person’s daily life, and if these are contaminated, the health of these persons can be compromised. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the records dating back from 2005 show that the water is safe for all persons, with no pollutants causing illnesses or diseases (Air System Facilities, 2015). In addition, the agency tested the water to see if it had any abnormal microbial levels. In the area there were no disinfectants or pollutants compromising the water. To further determine the environmental determinants, the air was also researched. Today, on September 11, 2015 the UV index was considered to be very high. The agency states “Protection against sun damage is needed” (UV Index, 2015). Since the UV index ranked to be in the very high category, people in this area need to take caution and were sun screen if outdoors. It is recommended that people stay in cool, air conditioned facilities between 1 pm and 4 pm. To continue, the AFS showed that there are no facilities producing air emissions (Air System Facilities, 2015). When there are no facilities producing air
Have you ever had to walk miles away just to get clean drinking water, or don’t even not have access to clean drinking water? People all over the world, even in North America, don’t have access to clean drinking water or have to walk very far just to drink water. The main areas where this problem is prominent is in third world countries, and this is due to the lack of money and sanitation (Millions Lack Safe Water). Due to this lack of sanitation, water borne diseases can grow and infect people who consume it. Clean water is very important for life, and within this paper I will explain why we need it, how it can affect us, and what it will take to obtain clean water.
Water quality can be described as the measurement of the condition of water relative to the requirements of humans, animals and plant’s need. When we talk about water quality testing, we are highlighting a critical piece of natural observing for civil engineers in order to create a specific structure or decision. At the point when water quality is poor, it influences almost every single form of life in our planet; going from plants to animals and thereon. Hydrology, in the other hand, is the study of water. It is important to state that hydrology is a critical part for civil engineers to determine and predicting decisions that will affect our biological environment.
It might be easier to live a healthy life for many people, but for others it can be very challenging. I have tried to be healthy so many times, but I always fell off the wagon. For many days I would “feel” healthy, but in reality I was not the healthiest person mentally or physically. I knew that I had to change my behavior, and become healthier (or at least almost healthy) if I wanted to live a longer life. I began my journey by drinking more water, balancing my eating with exerting, all while trying to stay mentally well.
Clean water supply is essential in establishing and maintaining a healthy community. There are two sources of water supply which are the surface water and ground water. Most natural waters are not suitable for consumption as it is contaminated by pathogens and also natural chemicals and minerals. In addition, as a city grew, wastes from human activities contaminate most of the water supplies. Water treatment plays an important role to properly treat a contaminated source of water supply in order to protect the health of consumers. Water treatment process is defined as a process of eliminating pollutants from untreated water to produce a biologically and chemically risk-free water, which is both potable and palatable for human consumption (SAJ Holdings Sdn Bhd., n.d.). There are six important steps in water treatment process, namely screening, aeration, coagulation and flocculation, sedimentation, filtration and lastly, disinfection (refer to Figure 1 in Appendix 1).
Water plays such an important role in our daily lives. 70% of our body is composed of water. 70% of the earth surface is also made up of water, but out of the 70%, only 1/3 of water is consumable. In fact, this amount has been continuously to decrease as more and more industries began to pollute and damage the water. For example, many toxic chemicals may be released into the water thus making the water impure. Such pollutions and damages lead the water to be contaminated and inconsumable as it may cause severe diseases. Water purification can remove all the unnecessary bacteria and viruses from the water that is hazardous for our health. Water purification may also improve the flavor and appearance of water. It removes the unpleasant odor. Therefore, water purification became one of the most useful and popular process used by people all over the world today. It is by far the most recommended and safest water treatment that is commonly used to purify damaged water into consumable water. Water purification provides us with safe, pure and clean water to consume and use.
Indira, K., and Romit, S. n.d. Drinking water quality in rural India: Issues and approaches. http://www.waterawards.in/suggested-reading/wateraid-drinking-water-quality.pdf (accessed November 10, 2010).