Water is generally classified into two groups: Surface Water and Ground Water. Surface water is just what the name implies; it is water found in a river, lake or other surface impoundment. This water is usually not very high in mineral content, and many times is called “soft water” even though it usually is not. Surface water is exposed to many different contaminants, such as animal wastes, pesticides, insecticides, industrial wastes, algae and many other organic materials. Even surface water found in a pristine mountain stream possibly contains Giardia or Coliform Bacteria from the feces of wild animals, and should be boiled or disinfected by some means prior to drinking.
Ground Water is that which is trapped beneath the ground. Rain that soaks into the ground, rivers that disappear beneath the earth, melting snow are but a few of the sources that recharge the supply of underground water. Because of the many sources of recharge, ground water may contain any or all of the contaminants found in surface water as well as the dissolved minerals it picks up during it’s long stay underground. Waters that contains dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium above certain levels are considered “hard water” Because water is considered a “solvent”, i.e., over time it can break down the ionic bonds that hold most substances together, it tends to dissolve and ‘gather up’ small amounts of whatever it comes in contact with. For instance, in areas of the world where rock such as limestone, gypsum, fluorspar, magnetite, pyrite and magnesite are common, well water is usually very high in calcium content, and therefore considered “hard”.
Due to the different characteristics of these two types of water, it is important that you know the source of your water — Surface or Ground. Of the 326 million cubic miles of water on earth, only about 3% of it is fresh water; and 3/4 of that is frozen. Only 1/2 of 1% of all water is underground; about 1/50th of 1% of all water is found in lakes and streams. The average human is about 70% water. You can only survive 5 days or less without water.
Water Quality Problems?
SYMPTOM: Diseases such as typhoid fever, dysentery, diarrhea, hepatitis and others. CAUSE: Disease producing bacteria, viruses, protozoa, etc. TEST : Coliform Bacteria. SOLUTION: Repair or reconstruct the complete water system to keep out pollutants, then disinfect and retest. If samples from two or more are unsatisfactory, then either develop a new source or install a continuous disinfection system.
SYMPTOM: Rust or black colored water. Stained clothes and fixtures. Reduced water flow. Unpalatable food and beverages. CAUSE: Iron or Manganese. TEST : Coliform Bacteria. SOLUTION: Aerate the water in the storage tank, then run the water through a sediment filter. Install a sediment filter and a softener. Continuously chlorinate the water and run it through a sediment and carbon filter.
SYMPTOM: Rust colored slime in toilet tank and pipes. Fuzzy particles in water. Staining. Reduced water flow. CAUSE: Iron Bacteria. TEST : Coliform Bacteria.
SOLUTION: Shock chlorinate the system blow out the distribution system, and shock chlorinate again.
SYMPTOM: Clothes turning grey. Scum on wash and bath water after using soap. Water heater functioning improperly. CAUSE: Hard Water. TEST : Calcium and Magnesium. SOLUTION: Install a water softener. Use small amounts of packaged water softener in baths, washer_ etc.
SYMPTOM: Smelly water. Rapid tarnishing of silverware. Staining of a black color CAUSE: Hydrogen Sulfide. TEST : Hydrogen Sulfide. SOLUTION: Install a continuous chlorination system and carbon Filter or aerate the water and install a sediment or carbon filter.
SYMPTOM: Cloudy Water. CAUSE: Particles of suspended matter. TEST : Turbidity. SOLUTION: Install a sediment filter or use activated carbon to remove color due to organisms.
SYMPTOM: Gassy water, or water with suspended air bubbles. CAUSE: Decay or organic matter. TEST : Methane.
SOLUTION: Install gas release valve on pressure tank and vent outdoors or aerate water in a non-pressurized storage tank.
Contact the Summit County Environmental Health Departmecnt, P.O. Box 5660, Frisco, CO 80443, 970-668-4070 to determine the proper amount of dry powder or liquid bleach required to make a 100 mg/I chlorine solution to Disinfect a contaminated well.
