DRINKING WATER
Surface water to tap
Surface water tap
Ground water tap
Groundwater to tap
Arsenic contamination Source Naturally in shale/sandstone- pyrite pesticide Problems Carcinogen arsenocosis
Lead Contamination Source Pipes Problems caused Brain damage
IRON Source Problems caused Rocks (mafic) soils Red/orange stain Unpleasant taste/smell
COPPER Source Problems caused Pipes Usually with low pH water Blue/green stain Stomach irritation Possible liver and kidney damage
Nitrates Sources Problems caused Fertilizers Septic tanks sewage Flu like symptoms ‘blue baby” syndrom
Hard water SOURCE Problems caused Ca and Mg ions From limestone Leaves a white film (scale) in hot water No suds
Hard Water
FLINT WATER CRISIS WHAT HAPPENED? Switched from Detroit water to Flint River (April 2014) Flint water was higher in Cl and lower pH (7.3) Cl corrodes pipes Didn’t add phosphate (a corrosive inhibitor) Saved $140/day High levels of lead, iron and bacteria were found in the drinking water of Flint
FLINT WATER CRISIS Switched back to Detroit water (Oct. 2015) Pipes are still corroding; don’t drink! Solutions?
Bottled water Tap water is more regulated than bottled Aquafina and Dasani- Detroit tap water http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3QBZac3MSY
ICE MOUNTAIN Pumped and bottled in Mecosta county Owned by Nestle Uses groundwater from Muskegon watershed Owned by Nestle July 2009, reached agreement: Allowed to pump 218 gal/min
How can I determine if bottled water is really just tap water How can I determine if bottled water is really just tap water? Often it's not easy. First, carefully check the bottle label and even the cap -- if it says "from a municipal source" or "from a community water system" this means it's derived from tap water. Again, you can call the bottler, or the bottled water program in your state or the state where it was packaged
Absopure- only company to use recycled bottles
Costs Manufacture the bottle Disposal marketing Plastic=oil shipping Only 10% are recycled Takes up landfill space marketing