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The assessment of drinking or potable water is essential for human health and may determine if a contamination event has occurred such as bush fire sediment, agricultural spill over, pharmaceutical pollution or biological dysbiosis. Data collected from water may also inform of appropriate actions for filtration if the source of the contaminant cannot be managed by other means.
With a simple sample collection many parameters of water quality can me analyzed affordably. Odours and taste concerns may be screened through general analysis, identification of the source or elimination of cross contamination may take greater investigation.
The quality of drinking water is governed by guidelines or standards such as the World Health Organizations Drinking Water Guideline, Australian Drinking Water Guideline or Drinking Water Standards for New Zealand.
Chlorine, Fluoride and Chloramine are often added to water and can become toxic for ingestion due to the human body being unable to process the chemical or the additive is designed to breakdown biological material.
Calcium and magnesium ions cause the water to be termed “Hard” and can form scaling in appliances, fixtures, and plumbing. Heavy metals may end up in potable water from plumbing pipes and fitting such as copper and lead.
A wide range of chemicals designed to kill different organic matter may end up in potable water. Most at risk are those on tank water. The suffix “icide” is added to describe something that kills, agriculture and local councils use these frequently to manage insects, plants and microorganisms.
Although additives are and purification methods are implemented in the water supply, microorganisms such as coliforms, legionella, viruses and algae may pose a risk for consumption if present.
Organic pollutants may be synthetic or man made such the PFAS group often contaminating ground water and PCBs or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) often the cause of a chemical, sweet even bitter taste or smell in or from potable water.
Often not considered are where water is recycled after purification however, purification and filtration methods are not always effective at breaking down varying commonly consumed modern medicines passed by effluent.
Calcium and magnesium ions cause the water to be termed “Hard” and can form scaling in appliances, fixtures, and plumbing. Heavy metals may end up in potable water from plumbing pipes and fitting such as copper and lead.