by Ann Harrison
Although there are many people who live in cities where their water is supplied by a city-wide utility company, there are those who get their water from wells or other privately owned water sources. For those who live in cities that use a municipal source for drinking water, these water supplies are tested and treated on a regular basis. However, home or land owners are responsible for maintaining their private wells and water sources. These water supplies should be tested at least three times a year and properly maintained at all times. If you own a well, you may want to install a disinfection system, to ensure that your water is protected from harmful contaminants that can be hazardous to you and your family’s health. If your water is contaminated, there are warning signs to help you determine whether you or your family members have ingested harmful contaminants.
Although you may not suffer any health effects from unknowingly drinking contaminated water, some effects may lead to severe illness or death. If you ingest harmful contaminants in your drinking water, and suffer any ill effects, these symptoms can occur immediately, while others may not be noticed for years. These symptoms include, but are not limited to, stomach problems such as nausea, vomiting, cramps and diarrhea, and could be determined by the person’s age and overall health, the amount of contaminated water consumed, and how long the person has been drinking the contaminated water.
Your water supply may become contaminated with chemicals such as nitrates and other types of bacteria including E. coil, which is only found in animals and humans. If your water supply is contaminated with E. coil, it means that either raw human sewage, or animal dung has contaminated your water source. The presents of nitrates is caused by plant fertilizers, or seepage from septic tanks. If your water has a nitrate level above 10 milligrams per liter of water, this type of contamination can cause infants to suffer from methaemoglobinaemia (AKA Blue Baby Syndrome), which causes the nitrates to interfere with the blood’s ability to carry much needed oxygen throughout the body.
Pesticides and herbicides are other types of harmful contaminants that can get into your drinking water if not used properly. Always follow the instructions carefully to avoid contaminating your drinking water.
Contact your local health department or water treatment plant to find out how you can test your water supply for harmful contaminants.
About the Author
Ann Harrison is a totally blind author, who grew up in the small town of Rochelle, Georgia, and has moved back to her family home after living in North Georgia for several years. Ann has written many articles of general interest for a number of clients since June of 2010, including the Cordele Dispatch. She has also published a short story entitled “The Big Climb” in Awethology Light. Ann also published a story entitled “The Woods” in December Awethology Light Volume by The #Awethors. She is currently working on several novels, and a self-help book. To read more of Ms. Harrison’s inspirational writings, visit her blog at www.wwannwrites.wordpress.com.
