Kiera Jefferson
Water pollution is a serious issue that jeopardizes human health and the environment. Unsafe water causes more deaths annually than war and violence, and with finite sources of drinkable water, the challenges are only expected to increase. Water pollution can occur in various forms, including bacterial and chemical contamination, and it is important to identify and address it to ensure clean and safe water for all.
Determining if water is polluted or clean can be done through sensory observations, laboratory tests, and understanding the common sources of water pollution. Sensory observations include checking for unusual colors, odors, and tastes, which can indicate the presence of contaminants. Laboratory tests, such as the 4-senses test, can also identify unsafe levels of bacteria, chemicals, and other impurities. Additionally, understanding the common sources of water pollution, such as agricultural runoff, sewage, and industrial waste, can help identify potential risks and take preventive measures.
To ensure clean and safe water, regular testing and monitoring are crucial, especially for private water supplies. By being vigilant and proactive, we can protect our health and the environment from the harmful effects of water pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | Water should be colourless. Any hue could indicate contamination. |
| Odour | Water should be odourless. A fishy or rotten smell could indicate contamination. |
| Taste | Water should be tasteless. A salty or metallic taste could indicate contamination. |
| Texture | Water should not feel slimy. |
| Clarity | Water should be clear. Cloudy or murky water could indicate contamination. |
| Presence of foreign objects | The presence of algae, dead fish, foam or scum, debris, or lack of wildlife and plant life could indicate contamination. |
What You'll Learn
Water should be colourless and odourless
Water is a universal solvent, meaning it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid on Earth. This makes it extremely vulnerable to pollution. Water should be colourless and odourless, and any deviation from this could indicate that the water is contaminated and unsafe.
Colour
Water that is not clean may have even the slightest hue, indicating that it may not be safe or clean enough for consumption. Water that is muddy or greenish is likely contaminated by sand, chemicals, or fungal growth.
Algae blooms, which can be harmful to people and wildlife, can also cause water bodies to discolour. These blooms are often a result of nutrient pollution, which is caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus in water or air.
Odour
Since water should be odourless, a fishy or rotten smell is often a clear warning sign that the water is unclean and dangerous. This could be caused by decaying organic matter, bacterial or fungal growth, or industrial contamination.
Other indicators
Other indicators that water is contaminated include a cloudy appearance, foam or scum on the surface, and dead fish. Water that is not clean may also have a slimy texture, or taste salty or metallic.
Health risks
Contaminated water can transmit diseases such as cholera, giardia, typhoid, and polio. In a year, unsafe water causes 1.8 million deaths and makes about 1 billion people ill. It is important to test water systems regularly to prevent these adverse health effects.
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Cloudy water may indicate pathogens or toxic chemicals
Water is supposed to be clear and colourless. Cloudy water is an indicator of contamination and may contain pathogens or toxic chemicals, making it unfit for drinking or cooking purposes.
Cloudy water can be a result of an excess of certain minerals, such as manganese, which can cause the water to appear purple or black. High levels of iron can also cause discolouration, giving water an orange hue.
Water that is cloudy may also indicate the presence of harmful bacteria or viruses. These can enter the water system through cracks in well casings, improper well construction, or directly from areas of waste like sewage beds and septic systems. Long-term exposure to high levels of bacteria or contaminants can result in adverse health effects, such as gastrointestinal illnesses, nervous system issues, reproductive problems, and chronic diseases.
Cloudy water may also be a sign of industrial contamination. Water is a "universal solvent", able to dissolve more substances than any other liquid on Earth. This means that toxic substances from farms, towns, and factories can easily dissolve and mix with water sources.
If you notice cloudiness in your drinking water, it is important to have it tested by an accredited laboratory to ensure it is safe for consumption and to safeguard public health.
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Water should not taste salty or metallic
Water is supposed to be tasteless. If your drinking water tastes salty or metallic, it could indicate the presence of contaminants and that your water is unsafe for consumption.
Salty Taste
A salty taste in your water could be due to excess sodium, indicating a problem with your water softener. Water softeners use sodium to replace hard minerals, but you shouldn't be able to taste salt in a properly balanced system. A sudden salty taste could be caused by issues with your water supply, such as a broken water main or problems with your groundwater supply.
Metallic Taste
A metallic taste in your water is often caused by the presence of underground organic chemicals, naturally occurring decomposition, or even new or modified plumbing. It could also be due to excess chlorine or metal remnants from pipes.
Health Risks
Consuming water with a salty or metallic taste could lead to potential health consequences if ingested continuously over time. These include anaemia, hypertension, convulsions, diarrhoea, liver damage, and kidney disease.
Testing Your Water
If your water has an unusual taste, it is important to test it for the presence of contaminants. You can use at-home test strips or send a sample to a laboratory for more accurate results.
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Check for blue/green stains on bathroom sinks
Blue or green stains on your bathroom sink can be indicative of a few issues. Firstly, it could be a sign of mould or mildew, specifically a type called Penicillium, which has a bluish-greenish hue and a fluffy, velvety, or hairy texture. Mould can cause curling or peeling of the surfaces it grows on, such as vinyl or paint. To remove mould, it is recommended to use an EPA-registered mould and mildew disinfectant. To prevent mould, it is crucial to control moisture and leaks in the bathroom by using a squeegee on shower walls, running the fan or air conditioner after showering, and sealing grout lines if you have tile.
Another cause of blue or green stains could be corrosive water, which erodes the materials it comes into contact with. If your bathroom pipes are made of copper, lead, or other metals, the stains may be a result of corrosion. Corrosive water can be identified by its low pH levels, high salt content, or high calcium concentration. While it is usually not dangerous to consume, many homeowners prefer to avoid it. To remove stains caused by corrosive water, a paste made of vinegar and baking soda can be applied, left for a few minutes, and then wiped off. To prevent these stains, a whole-home water filtering system can be installed to address the specific issue causing the corrosion, such as low pH levels or high salt content.
Additionally, if your plumbing consists of different types of metals, the stains could be a result of electrolysis, which occurs when two dissimilar metals touch in the presence of water, leading to the corrosion of the "least noble" or more reactive metal. A plumber can inspect your pipes to determine if electrolysis is the cause. The same vinegar and baking soda paste can be used to remove these stains, and a plumber can replace the piping with a non-metal alternative to prevent future issues.
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Contact your water supplier for a water quality report
If you're concerned about the quality of your water supply, the best course of action is to contact your water supplier and request a copy of their water quality report. This is a comprehensive document that outlines the state of the water being supplied to your home or area.
In the United States, water suppliers are legally required to provide customers with an annual water quality report, also known as a Consumer Confidence Report, by July 1 of each year. These reports are often sent out with water bills but may also be sent separately or posted online. If you have not received your copy, you can request one from your local water supplier or find it using the EPA's CCR search tool.
The water quality report will provide detailed information about the source of your drinking water, including rivers, lakes, aquifers, or other sources. It will also outline any contaminants that have been detected in the water supply, such as germs, chemicals, or heavy metals, and explain whether they pose any health risks. Additionally, the report will include information about violations, which occur when the water supplier fails to meet safe drinking water standards or EPA regulations.
By reviewing the water quality report, you can gain a deeper understanding of the safety and potability of your tap water. If you have any further questions or concerns, you can contact your water supplier, health department, or the EPA's Drinking Water Hotline for more information.
It is important to remember that water quality can vary across different regions, and local authorities may have specific guidelines and recommendations. Therefore, staying informed about your water supply and taking appropriate steps to ensure its safety are crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of you and your family.
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