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Drinking Water Protection
Community Involvement
As members of a community, citizens can take an active role in protecting their drinking water.
Here are some suggestions:
Protecting Ground Water Supply
It is possible to protect your water supply by carefully managing contaminants near the water source.
Here are some suggestions:
Drinking Water Treatment
Water suppliers take untreated water from a stream or reservoir. This water contains organic matter and some contaminants that need to be removed. Water treatment plants flow the water very slowly through tanks so that the organic matter settles to the bottom. The final step is to filter out the smallest contaminants.
Ground water is naturally filtered through the earth. Local conditions and the underground reservoirs (aquifers) determine the amount of treatment needed. Water is first aerated at the treatment plant. It then goes through an extensive filtration process. Disinfection is the most common way to treat drinking water. Chlorine and other disinfectants are added to the water to kill bacteria and other organisms. Finally, fluoride is added and the water is tested for the finished water quality. The EPA prescribe regulations to limit the amount of certain contaminants to provide safe drinking water.
Bottled vs Tap water
The taste of the water depends on the individual. The safety of any water depends on the source and treatment. The FDA has set standards on the safety and contents of all bottled water.