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2.0 Effects of Impurities of Water
Over the years, people have become increasingly concerned about the effects of impurities in water. These impurities can be determined using analytical methods. Although the presence of contaminants does not really manifest harmful effects, it is important for water to be free from significant contamination. It is vital to note that while we cannot expect pure water, we need to have safe water at the very least.
2.1 Health Effects
The only way of knowing if water is safe for drinking or not is to have it tested. The contamination of water can actually start at the original water source, or during treatment, or during distribution. Thus, it is important to know the original source of water, its treatment process, and its distribution scheme.
Sources of water
- Surface water (river or lake)
Surface water can be exposed to acid rain, pesticide runoff, water runoff, and industrial waste.
- Groundwater (private wells or public water supplies)
Groundwater can be contaminated by disease producing pathogens, careless disposal of household wastes, and leaching from landfills and septic tanks.
Fig.5. Sources of Water
Possible Acute Health Effects
(these effects occur shortly after exposure to the contaminants)
- Nausea
- Lung irritation
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Skin rashes
- Death
Possible Chronic Health Effects
(these effects occur long after repeated exposure to the contaminants)
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Cancer
- Immune system damage
- Birth defects
- Nervous system disorders
Fig.6. Nausea
2.2 Effects of Impurities and Its Treatments
Here is a table on the different impurities present in water and its corresponding treatments. Included in the table are some of the noticeable and significant symptoms of the effects of water impurities and its appropriate treatments.
Table 1. Effects of Impurities and Its Treatments
| SYMPTOMS | TREATMENTS |
| Reddish brown stains |
Use iron removal equipment to address this problem. Iron removal equipment includes sand filter, water softener, manganese greensand filter, and chlorinator.
|
| Intestinal disorders |
A strong solution of chlorine for disinfecting the water is highly recommended. Check valves can also be installed for protection against any water contamination.
|
| Corrosion in the water lines |
Water may be acidic. Treatments such as aeration, neutralizer, and soda ash feeder can be employed.
|
| Unpleasant odor |
Compounds may be present in the water. Chlorination can be used in solving this problem. Aeration is also another option.
|
| Turbid color |
Can be addressed using filters such as sand and fiber.
|
| Foul taste |
An automatic chlorinator can be installed. Another option is activated carbon filter.
|
| Black stains |
This may be caused by iron and manganese. The recommended solution is iron removal treatment.
|
