There really is something in the water

Sumber:The Jakarta Post - 06 Februari 2006
Kategori:Air Minum
All water contains some impurities. As water flows in streams, sits in lakes and filters through layers of soil and rock in the ground, it dissolves or absorbs substances of its surroundings. Some of these substances are harmless, but at certain levels can make the water unpalatable or even dangerous.

When water runs through populated regions, the contaminants no longer consist of erosion from natural rock formations, but discharge from factories, farmlands or even substances used by consumers in their home and yard. Sources of contaminants may be nearby or many kilometers away.

The Jakarta Environmental Management Agency annually warns of the worsening quality of Jakarta's water, whether in rivers, lakes, ground water, or in the Jakarta Bay.

Some naturally occurring sources of pollution include microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, and radioactive elements, including uranium and radium, that may be present in underlying rock and groundwater.

Although high nitrate levels are usually due to human activities, they may be found naturally in groundwater, and come from the breakdown of nitrogen compounds in the soil.

Underground rocks and soils may contain arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and selenium, but these are not often found in household wells.

Many water systems add small amounts of fluoride to drinking water, which is considered helpful in dental health, but excessive consumption can damage bone tissue.

Bacteria and nitrates are pollutants found in human and animal wastes, and septic tanks, sanitary landfills, and garbage dumps are usually the source of bacterial and nitrate pollution.

Activities such as mining and construction can release large amounts of heavy metals into nearby groundwater sources.

Farmers use fertilizers and pesticides to promote growth and reduce insect damage, these are also used on golf courses and urban lawns and gardens. The chemicals in these products may end up in groundwater, depending on the types and amounts of chemicals used and how they are applied.

In addition, chemicals used to treat buildings and homes for termites or other pests may also pose a threat.

Nearby factories, industrial plants and even gas stations and dry cleaners handle a variety of hazardous chemicals that need careful management. Spills and improper disposal can threaten ground water supplies.

Petroleum products, chemicals, and wastes stored in underground storage tanks and pipes may end up in the groundwater, especially if tanks and piping leak due to improper installation. Steel tanks and piping corrode with age.

Landfills and waste dumps may have a wide variety of pollutants that can seep into ground water.

In the household, improper disposal of cleaning solvents, used motor oil, paints, paint thinners, soaps and detergents, can harm drinking water.

Household plumbing materials are the most common source of lead and copper in home drinking water. Corrosive water may cause metals in pipes or soldered joints to leach into tap water. The water's acidity or alkalinity, as well as temperature and mineral content, greatly affects corrosion. JP/Tantri Yuliandini

Post Date : 06 Februari 2006