Potential sources of contamination
Now that you’re aware of the tests available in our home drinking water kits range, along with the potential health and other effects, do you know the possible source for these contaminants?
If you haven’t already, you can read our latest post on the risks and effects here; https://www.watertestsystems.com.au/blog/latest/potential-risks-in-contaminated-water/
Bacteria - Occur in both sewage and natural waters, may indicate human and animal faecal waste.
Copper - Corrosion of household plumbing by salt, low pH water, erosion of natural deposits.
Iron - Occurs naturally in water, usually at <1 mg/L, but up to 100 mg/L in oxygen-depleted groundwater. Taste threshold 0.3 mg/L.
Nitrate/Nitrite - Occurs naturally. Run off from fertiliser use, leaching from septic tanks, sewage. Food, particularly vegetables and cured meat, is the major source of nitrate intake for humans.
Free Chlorine - Widely used disinfectant, a water additive used to control microbes.
Lead - Corrosion of household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits.
Mercury - From industrial emissions and spills. Very low concentrations occur naturally.
Pesticide - Herbicide runoff.
Sulphate - Natural component of water and may be added via treatment chemicals.
pH/Alkalinity – Nil - A measure of the hydrogen ion concentration in water.
Total Hardness - Erosion of natural deposits.