Water Quality and Availability Background
htnaniels07
cf_water_quality_and_availability_template.docxWater Quality and Availability Template
Instructions
For each water sample:
· Specify the type of contamination(s) if any (Column 7).
· Indicate the treatment necessary to make the water safe (Column 8).
|
Sample |
Acidity (pH) |
Metals (mg/L) |
Coliform Bacteria (ml) |
Pesticides/ Herbicides (mg/L) |
Nitrates (mg)
|
Type of Contamination |
Treatment Performed |
|
City |
4
|
0.006 copper |
0.13 |
0.00001 carbofuran |
0.8 |
|
|
|
Lake |
7 |
0.6 iron |
0.33 |
0.0008 carbofuran |
0.6 |
|
|
|
Mountain
|
6.8 |
0.006 iron |
0.00 |
0.0001 carbofuran |
12.4
|
|
|
|
Rural |
7 |
0.0027 copper |
0.00 |
0.08 carbofuran |
6.7 |
|
|
|
Well |
8.2 |
1.44 iron |
0.00 |
0.004 carbofuran |
0.6 |
|
|
Questions
1. How do the contaminants in the surface water samples compare/contrast with those in the subsurface or groundwater samples?
2. Why might groundwater and surface water have different contaminants?
3. Generally, farmers do not farm on the sides of mountains or in remote areas. Likewise, industries do not build factories in these areas. Moreover, these areas are usually not highly populated by people. What types of contaminants, if any, were found in the mountain water? How do you explain the presence of any contaminants?
4. What are pH levels? In your explanation be sure to address its characteristics, its contribution to pollution, and the chemicals used to treat low pH levels?
5. Water tested in an old building recently showed high copper and iron content and low pH levels. A water reading taken 20 years before, showed low pH levels and only minimal traces of copper and iron. None of the new buildings on the same street showed signs of metallic contaminants; all reported lower than normal pH readings. How do you explain these readings?
