|
Learning
Center Categories:
Water
And Health
Learn
About Water Quality
Water
Can Heal!
Contaminants
Fact Sheets
Top
Water News
Did
you know?
Reverse osmosis is the finest water filtration method known. This process will
allow the removal of particles as small as ions from a solution. It is used
to purify water and remove salts and other impurities in order to improve the
color, taste or properties of the fluid. R.O. uses a membrane that is semi-permeable,
allowing the fluid that is being purified to pass through it, while rejecting
other ions and contaminants from passing.
This technology uses a process
known as crossflow to allow the r.o. membrane to continually clean itself. This
is the reason of why an r.o. element can last many years before clogging or
need replacement. This
water purification process requires a driving force to push the fluid through
the membrane, and the most common force is household water pressure or pressure
from a booster pump. The higher the pressure, the larger the driving force and
efficiency.
|
39. Drinking Water and Acid Rain
Have you ever, as a kid, tried to catch a rain drop or snowflake,
only to be scolded at: "That could be acid rain!"
Experts claim that all rain is actually acidic since the precipitation
binds with carbon dioxide. But, the term 'acid rain' was coined from
certain air pollutants merging. Sulfur dioxide combining with nitrogen
oxides and react to the oxygen in the air is what makes sulfuric acid,
which causes the acid precipitation- rain, snow or fog. Sulfur dioxide
comes from industrial smelters and coal burning plants. Nitrogen oxides
come from car exhaust systems and can even be created by lightning.
It was found that while acidic precipitation does not affect human
health directly; some particle matter associated with it has shown adverse
health effects, particularly among those with respiratory disorders. There
is also concern surrounding the idea that that acid rain could draw mercury
from the ground, which could then be carried by runoff into bodies of
water. Despite these findings however, a ten year study on acid rain revealed
the effects are not as damaging as first thought, causing mainly aesthetic
damage to buildings, changing the chemical balance of lakes and streams
and also affecting some fish species. These are all reasons for concern,
for example, we do not want monuments and other outdoor sites to be destroyed. Paint, iron, zinc and steel structures are most likely to be affected. However, at least we know as humans we should not be scared as we once
were.
The Clean Air Act of 1990 has made positive strides in reducing
the amount of sulfur dioxides in the air. The government now regulates
the amount of these chemicals that can be released into the air. Also,
since this problem affects the Northeast more so than other parts of the
country, the government is also working with Eastern Canada to help eliminate
the toxins from the air. Each state has an allowance they can release
each year.
Acid raid doesn't do too much to affect the water supply. However,
some folks, either at home if they do not have a well or when camping,
use the rain water catch method. Obviously, drinking water right after
it is collected would be a bad idea. Boiling the water and perhaps using
a disinfectant will make the water safe for consumption. Other than that,
if water supplies are coming from a lake or stream that has acid rain
buildup, chances are, the local water company is monitoring the pH levels
for the acidity of the supply. If there were a threat, they would instill
a boiling alert. Also, coupled with the water supply's treatment system,
having a home
filtration system will be an extra hand against the acidic contaminants. Finally, if you have well water, you are likely to be contaminated. When
you get your annual tests done on your water, you will be able to tell
if the pH level has rose.
Acid rain continues to be under study. New facts are found out
everyday. Stay tuned to your local water company's website or the EPA
site for the latest information. Especially if you live in the industrial
Northeast.
Healthy and Convenient!
Our Featured Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System
|
=
Products of Superior Performance and Dependability 
