CONTAMINATION

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Due to increasing populations, pollution and climate change, fresh clean drinking water is fast becoming a scarce commodity and due to this the quality of the water we drink is deteriorating. Water is the most efficient solvent known to man, it can dissolve all sorts of chemicals and elements. Depending on the source of your water there can be many different contaminants, most of which cannot be detected by the human taste buds or nose!

 

Scheme water has chemicals added to ensure the water is bacteria free, however, this also adds potentially harmful contaminants and gives poor aesthetic (taste, smell, colour) qualities in your water. Chlorine is the most common form of disinfectant used in scheme water which can react with organic matter and bacteria in the water. These reactions can cause formation of organic chlorides and chloramines which are particularly nasty. Don’t be fooled by the word organic, in chemistry terms this simply means “containing carbon”. Chloroform, a known carcinogen is an organic chloride! Scheme water also has potential for metal and plasticiser contamination depending on the quality of pipelines the water is carried through. The source of the scheme water will also determine other possible contaminants.

 

Dams and bores can be contaminated with fertilisers, pesticides/herbicides and animal excreta. Bores could also be potentially contaminated from septic systems, bacteria and hydrogen sulphide.

 

Rain water collected from a roof can be contaminated with nearby agricultural, mining or industrial chemicals. Air conditioners, hot water systems, corrosion, chimneys, the storage tank, insects and animals on roofs can all add to the contamination of your rain water.

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The list goes on!

 

Here are some links for more info on water contamination: