Water Quality

Do you ever think about how clean the water you are drinking is? Most of the time we just assume the water we receive is clean enough to drink simply because it is coming out of our faucets. This is why the quality of the water must be checked. According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s website, Water Quality is the measure of the suitability of water for a particular use based on selected physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Bacterias and harmful substances can often find their way into the water making it unsuitable to drink. Some of the most common problems Ohio has with water are the following: Coliform bacteria, Turbidity, Radon, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Harmful Algal Bloom Cyanotoxins.

1. Coliform bacteria can be found in the environment and in the feces of all warm-blooded animals and humans. There is a total of 16 different Coliform bacteria that can be found in plants, soil, and waste. E. Coli is a subgroup of fecal Coliform bacteria. Most E. Coli is harmless, however some strains can make you sick. If Coliform bacteria is found in water, it is investigated immediately. This bacteria is commonly found in well water because of sewage and manure. This can be prevented by making sure your water is properly filtered. The public health goal of amounts of E. Coli and other forms of fecal Coliform is none. 
   The Maximum Contaminate Level: 0
   
   
   
   
   
2. Turbidity is the measure of cloudiness of the water. Cloudiness can be caused by harmless substances such as organic matter, or can be caused by disease-causing organisms like parasites and viruses. Therefore, it is smart to keep Turbidity levels low to be safe. The EPA has set the water Turbidity standard at 1 NTU (nephelolometric turbidity unit). Also, public waters must not exceed 0.3 NTU.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. Radon is odorless and invisible in water. There is also a goal to have absolutely no Radium in drinking water since it can increase chances of developing cancer.
   Maximum Contaminate Level: 5 pCi/L
4. Cryptosporidium is a primary diarrheal pathogenic microorganism that can bring disease to previously healthy people. It is caused by a parasite that can live in the intestines in humans and animals. You can get rid of the cryptosporidium by boiling your water. The EPA requires that there be 0mg/L in drinking water.
5. Giardia is also a diarrheal illness caused by a parasite. It is one of the most common causes of waterborne diseases in humans in the United States. Millions of Giardia parasites can be passed by just one infected human or animal. The water can be contaminated by sewage overflows, polluted storm water runoffs, and flooding. The contaminated water can be cleaned by boiling and then refrigerating it. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and cramps. Once again, the standard amount of Giardia in water is zero.
6. Harmful Algal Bloom Cyanotoxins can be naturally found in Ohio lakes. It is often called blue-green algae. It occurs in shallow bodies of warm water. You should not drink this water.