Water Contamination Claim

Water is one of the basic necessities for survival and sustenance. It is an integral part of our life. The contamination of water is, therefore, one of the main causes of worry. The advancement of technology and the increasing use of unnatural and harmful material in the production raise the risk of water pollution. People are at the risk of consuming this contaminated water directly or indirectly. There are many governmental agencies taking measures against those who are contaminating water bodies.

Environmental Protection Agency is one such organization that regulates the contamination of water bodies through the Safe Water Drinking Act (1974) and the Clean Water Act (1972). Over 90 chemicals contaminate soil and water. EPA has set certain contaminant level for such dangerous chemicals.

The priorities for regulation and research are discussed in detail in the Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List. Certain guidelines for drinking water are recommended by the Center for Disease Control. Various researches have been done on the proliferation of hazardous substances by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. The National Center for Environmental Assessment offers data for healthy water.

Water pollution can take place anywhere and anytime. Plumes are widely found in ground aquifers and wells. Human beings are at the risk of contamination through dermal contact, ingestion and inhalation of these toxic substances.

According to the research conducted by Children’s Health Environmental Coalition, following are major water contaminants:

• Radioactive substances occur naturally and are manmade. Strontium, radium, uranium and radon are few substances in which radioactive radiations are found. There is no federal law to test these elements, so many times water is not tested.

• Non-metallic organic like asbestos, insecticides and nitrates enters water supply when they are used in agriculture and for the distribution of water. Private well spreads this kind of contamination.

• Viruses like giardiasis and hepatitis and parasites and bacteria are few pathogens that contaminate water bodies. However, water is disinfected to biological contamination, but it is advisable to contact the local water supplier because care has to be taken for healthy and safe drinking water.

• Synthetic organic compound vary widely including toxicity, vaporization, solubility and volatility. These synthetic organic compounds include cosmetics, pesticides, cleaners, solvents and plastic.

• Heavy Metals: Lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic are few examples of heavy metals. It is important to test water for lead as it is still used in lead piping for distributing water.

• Chlorine is added to water to purify it. But, after reacting with the organic compounds left in soil, decaying vegetation and water, it forms a group of chemicals known as trihalomethanes (THM).

Therefore, there are many health hazards found in water. It is important to monitor the drinking water regularly to ensure the safety of your family members.