Now that I understand many components of water systems, I have now looked into some impacts of water systems and the things that impact the water systems themselves. Some of the most common things that are impacts or are impacted are waterborne germs [1], exploitation dumps[2],and hard minerals in water.[2]
In water systems, waterborne germs greatly impact those who consume the water if it is not treated first. Many waterborne germs cause diseases and sicknesses that can cause vomiting, skin, ear, eye and respiratory/ breathing problems.[1] Some of these symptom especially breathing and respiratory can lead to long term problems with your lungs. One common way we can lessen the impacts of waterborne diseases is by using disease causing agents such as bacteria, parasites, and viruses. In water systems, special additives such as chloramine are used to disinfect the water. Water systems will also use three levels of treatment to make water safer for consumption and use. These systems work together to remove bacteria, pollutants and remove substances that may have dissolved in the water. [2]
Another thing that commonly impacts water and water systems is exploitation dumps. [3] Exploitation dumps are filled with pollutants, heavy metals and many other substances that negatively impact water quality. These exploitation dumps make it so water supplies need to undergo treatments to meet a quality that means the water is consumable and usable for other needs. Exploitation dumps impact the atmosphere, the hydrosphere (the water cycle), and the soil. All things that are impacted negatively effect water systems.[3]
One extremely common thing that impacts water quality is hard water. Hard water is when water contains elements such as iron, zinc, copper, silver, mercury, aluminium, and others. Hard water is common in places near manmade structure, facilities, and near mines. [3] To make water “softer” you can impact magnesium and calcium ions and replace them with sodium and potassium ions. This will impact the waters “hardness”. [1] Hard water is something you want to reverse because elements such as mercury are harmful with consumption.[1] For example, mercury can effect nervous, digestive and and immune systems.
Although we have come far with the improvement of water systems and have been able to adapt to certain needs in different places, there are still many improvement we can make on water systems to help reverse these impacts.
[1]-https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/public/water_treatment.html
[2]-https://www.safewater.org/fact-sheets-1/2017/1/23/wastewater-treatment
[3]-ASSESSING THE QUALITY OF WATER FROM SURFACE SOURCES OF DRINKING WATER SUPPLY TO TOWNS OF SOUTH ARMENIA.