| What is
in your water |
water quality issues |
|
taste of water |
Chlorine and chloramines, dissolved organics, blue green
algae. These components will impart an unpleasant taste to the water, they are also
potentially toxic. If you water tastes strange, under no
circumstances should you consume the water without having it checked
out. |
|
chlorine |
Chlorine is a strong oxidising agent and is carcinogenic. It
form compounds with organic molecules (THM`s) in the water to form new chemicals that are
classified grade 1 carcinogenic. This is one of the most serious water quality
issues and is present in all drinking water supplies. |
|
fluoride |
Fluoride is added to some water supplies, the reason is
that it minimises tooth decay. However there is also some evidence that it cause
behavioural problems, possible damage to bone structure and that it may also be
carcinogenic |
|
cryptosporidium |
cysts found in drinking water, not killed by chlorine, so if
they get into the water, you will be exposed. Very serious or fatal for children and
elderly. It is estimated that 1 in 10 us will experience a Crypto
infection (gastroenteritus) |
|
giardia |
similar to crypto above but even more serious. check out
UK Government web site for more info D.W.I. |
|
colour |
Colour is usually cause by organic matter such a peat. Can
form toxic compounds, especially in combination with chlorine. |
|
bacteria |
Drinking water will always contain bacteria. In most
cases the bacteria will be dead or non viable. However there is always the
possibility that there will be a more serious bacterial contamination, possibly caused by
burst pipes or other issues. The European Drinking Water
regulations state that drinking water must have less than 100 bacteria
in every milli litres, which is the same as less than 100,000 bacteria
in a litre. With regards to faecal bacteria such as E.Coli,
there must be less than 10 of these bacteria in a litres of water.
However any E.coli is an indicator that there may be a serious problem
with your water supply, and that there is contamination from human or
animal sources. |
|
nitrate |
Nitrate is known to be toxic at high levels,
especially for babies. Nitrate has also been linked to bladder cancer
and blue baby syndrome |
|
radiation |
In certain parts of the UK, eg Cornwall & Aberdeen,
as well as other areas there can be high levels of radiation in the water. |
|
lead |
Lead is bio-accumulated in your body, and level low levels can
lead to brain damage, especially in children. Also linked to may physiological problems
including infertility |
|
copper |
Copper is a trace nutrient and is required by your body.
However if you have a tumour, copper will promote the blood supply to the tumour. |
|
aluminium |
Aluminium has been implicated as a factor causing senile
and pre-senile dementia of the Alzheimer type and in parkinsonism dementia.
This has not be categorically proved, however it is a worry
best voided |
|
pesticides & herbicides |
There are often traces of herbicides and pesticides in our
drinking water. These chemicals are toxic an can be bio accumulated in fat tissue over
many years. If you are under stress, the toxins are released into your blood where they
can cause serious problems. |
|
Total score |
The totals given in this table gives you a guideline as to
the performance of the water treatment systems. The higher the number the better the
water quality. |
