What is good quality drinking water?
Water that is free from disease-causing organisms, harmful chemical substances and radioactive matter. It must also taste good, look good and be free from unpleasant odour and colour.
How many different things can be tested in water?
A very small list of some things found in water include aluminum, asbestos, chlorine, copper, fluoride, lead, mercury, nickel and sodium. Some, such as fluoride and selenium are naturally occurring substances, although fluoride is also an additive.
How is water made suitable for drinking?
Raw lake water is pumped in from intakes and large particles and debris are moved by traveling screens just as the water enters the treatment plants.
There can be up to five different processes water goes through from the time it enters the plant to the time it is transported through the extensive system of water supply pipes, reservoirs and storage tanks. These steps are coagulation, filtration, disinfection, fluoridation (in some areas), and ammoniation.
When the water has passed through some or all of these processes, it is then pumped to an extensive distribution system.
How safe is well water and cistern water?
In rural areas, water is often trucked in by water supply companies to be stored in cisterns. This is treated municipal water and is safe for both drinking and bathing. However, if cistern water is collected off the roof, it is very crucial that it be purified before personal use or consumption. Well water should also be purified and health departments are advising that both well water and cistern water be tested monthly. Cisterns should also be cleaned out annually. Free water bottles for sample testing are available at the Public Health Department.
As a matter of fact, in light of the situation in Walkerton earlier this year, the public is being advised against drinking untreated spring water. Spring water is unfiltered, untreated and susceptible to contamination with bacteria such as total coliform and E. coli. This is because there is less soil to filter the surface water prior to entering the spring. Carbon filters also should not be used for well water or spring water filtering as bacteria can use the carbon as food and multiply, further contaminating the water.
What is the problem with water that goes through galvanized piping?
Galvanized piping rusts and corrodes internally. Therefore, water passing through galvanized piping will collect particles of rust, zinc, and other contaminants that go right into your drinking water! These contaminants will also clog the pipes internally, which will cause a drop in water capacity and pressure, and eventually lead to the destruction of the piping system.