<text><span class="style2">ackyard mechanics. Did you know that one gallon of gasoline can contaminate 250,000 gallons of water? Please take used gas and oil to collection centers where they can be recycled. please don't pour it on the ground or down storm drains. If there are no centers in your community, talk to your local government officials about starting an oil recycling program.Household cleaners and chemicals. Did you know that the average household generates 20 pounds of hazardous waste each year? To keep our environment and your home clean, please use non-hazardous alternatives whenever possible. For instance, use baking soda as a substitute for abrasive scouring powders or hot water instead of drain cleaners. It is also important to participate in community collection days for the safe disposal of toxic household chemicals.Septic systems. Did you know that sixty percent of the 23 million residential septic tanks in the United States are being operated improperly? Septic tanks need to be pumped regularly (every three to five years). Tanks should also be inspected every other year to assure proper operation. Remember, never dispose of toxic or hazardous chemicals in a septic system.Fertilizers. Avoid using liquid, chemical fertilizers and toxic pesticides. Did you know that since 1950, fertilizer use has increased from 20 million tons annually to 40 million tons? If you must use fertilizer, please be sure to apply it properly, and remember to use a soil test to determine the right amount for your soil type, grass, or crop.Pesticides, like fertilizilers, must also be applied with care and misuse can have devastating affects on our water supply when soil erosion and runoff carry pesticides into surface or ground waters. Nearly 2.6 million pounds of pesticides are applied to fields each year in the United States. Please follow manufacturer's instructions carefully when applying, storing, or handling these products and remember to dispose of unwanted fertilizers or pesticides in the proper container. Crop rotation, pest monitoring, soil analysis, and conditioning can greatly reduce the need for pesticide use.Habitat protection. Property owners and farmers should plant or leave buffer strips of natural plants along stream banks and lake shores. Where possible, develop aroundwetlands in such a way as to maintain their biological integrity. Require contractors to leave as many trees as possible when preparing building sites. Provide for woodlots to remain as part of large scale development projects.Trash. Did you know that each year 160 million tons of municipal solid waste and 240 million tons of industrial solid waste are disposed of in more than 16,000 landfills throughout the country? Pollution prevention and recycling of waste can make a big difference to water quality. How many ways can you think of to stop pollution before it starts?America's Clean Water Act. Brochure published by America's Clean Water Foundation. Hall of the States. 444 N. Capitol Street NW. Suite 330. Washington, DC. 20001.</span></text>
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<text><span class="style2">. BASIC INFO ON YOUR WATER SUPPLY & TESTING, CLIMATEAND SOILS:Which system provides drinking water for your family and/or livestock?PUBLIC (EPA defines it as any system with 15 or more connections or serving 25 or more people, including most rural water districts.) Water testing and treatment required by federal Safe Drinking Water Act.PRIVATE (includes your own system; bottled water; and systemswith 14 or fewer connections or systems serving 24 or less people).Water tests generally not required except for dairies and for newwells.Check the source(s) from which your system draws its water:GROUNDWATERShallow well, 0 to 50 ft.Medium well, 50 to 150 ft.Well deeper than 150 ft.Artesian wellSpringSURFACE WATERStreamRiverFarm pondLakeCisternDon't know, but I intend to find out.Is your water treated to kill bacteria? Yes NoIf you have a well, is it dug, drilled, or sandpoint?In what year was your well constructed?Is your well properly grouted to prevent contamination from rainfall andanimal contamination from seeping down along the well's casing?Yes No Don't KnowDoes your well's casing extend above ground level? (It should.)Yes NoWATER TESTINGHave you had your water tested within the last year?Yes NoIf No, what year did you last test it?Did the test include any of the following? Check those that apply.pHNitrateTotal Coliform BacteriaTotal Dissolved SolidsDone by manylabs for a small fee.Should be done annually even if no obviousproblems exist.Pesticide ScanHeavy Metals (lead, arsenic, etc.)Purgable Organic Carbons (fuels, dry cleaning solvents, etc.)(Pesticides, metals and organic carbons are very expensive tests and generally neednot be checked unless there is reason to suspect a problem.)CLIMATE and SOILSWhat is the average rainfall for your area? inches.(Leaching potential increases as annual rainfall increases.)Is the bedrock limestone? (Karst Topography)Are your topsoils shallow to bedrock (less than 3 ft.)Yes No(Thicker top soils may still be a problem depending on soil type.)Are your soils generally:Sandy (most likely to allow leaching into groundwater)Loams (medium leaching potential)Clays (least likely to allow leaching)High organic matter (peat or muck)Loam or some combination of those listed above?How are any ponds or impoundments on your farm recharged?rainfall/runoff streamgroundwater/spring pumped well</span></text>
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<text>HOME WATERTREATMENT SYSTEMSSusan M. QuiringExtension housing specialistTexas Agricultural Extension ServiceThe Texas A&M University SystemCollege Station, TexasPeople have become increasingly concerned about the quality of their water, including the possibility of contamination with hazardous substances. Sources of this contamination are solvents, pesticides, household cleaners, industrial wastes, and underground storage tanks. Chemical compounds, including methylene chloride, trichloroethylene (TCE), lindane, benzene, chlorobenzenes, carbon tetrachloride, and vinyl chloride have also been found in water supplies. Chlorination of drinking water can produce trihalomethanes (THMs), which may be a cancer causing substance, according to some research. Radon, a radioactive decay product of natural uranium, is found in groundwater as well as in the air of buildings and has been correlated with an increase in lung cancer.Private well owners are particularly vulnerable to drinking water contamination. It has been thought that groundwater was not easily contaminated because soil could effectively purify water moving through it. Recent evidence shows that soil is not the buffer for chemicals it was assumed to be.Under certain circumstances, toxic compounds can leach through soil into groundwater and eventually enter household well water.Well-closings of municipal and rural systems with disease-causing source waters, as shown by the news media, indicate they are carefully monitored. However, individuals on private systems have the responsibility to determine independently whether their drinking water needs treatment.Approximately 55,000 of the 61,000 public water facilities in the United States meet the standards mandated by the Safe Drinking Water Act and administered by the Environmental Protection Agency. Water quality involves the degree of acceptability for household uses such as drinking, cooking, bathing, and laundering. Water conditioning equipment improves quality by reducing turbidity (suspended sediment), reducing hardness, removing disagreeable odors and/or tastes, reducing minerals and possible contaminants.Four common types of water treatment systems to improve water for household use are: filters, reverse osmosis units, distillers, and softeners. Filters and reverse osmosis systems are discussed below.FiltersDirt, sediment, and odors can be removed from water by using filters. Adsorption and mechanical filters are available. Carbon filters are the most common adsorption filters. Fiber filters are the most common mechanical filters.Carbon FiltersCarbon filtering devices use activated carbon (cartridges) with a porous surface to collect dissolved organic compounds including THMs, odors and disagreeable tastes.A filter's effectiveness depends on how long the water stays in the unit. The longer the water is in contact with the filter medium, the more time the carbon has to remove impurities. Those packed with a large volume of charcoal generally remove more organic material at the beginning of the cartridge life; performance decreases less rapidly over time than it does for those containers with a small amount of charcoal.A typical activated carbon cartridge is a cylinder holding approximately one cubic foot of carbon. The form and quantity of carbon used varies; they can be granular, powder in block or powder in pad. Tests by a private testing organization indicated the powder-in-a-pad type was less effective than other types. Granular is most frequently used. The cartridge sides should be rigid (hard plastic or stainless steel) to force water through the length of the column bed. Cartridges with sides of mesh or wound string allow water to bypass extensive contact with the carbon.Location of the treatment unit in the home depends upon its intended function. Users may choose from six models: I) pour through, 2) faucet mount, 3) in line, 4) line bypass, 5) specialty, 6) point of entry (POE). (See Figure 1).Pour through is similar in design to a drip coffee maker, and is the simplest type of activated carbon filter. A quantity of untreated water is poured through the carbon and the treated water is collected in a receptacle. The units are not connected to the water supply and usually sit on the counter. They are portable, require no installation, and are convenient for camping or picnicking. Pour-through devices will treat only small quantities of water at a time and are not as effective as larger, automatic units.Faucet mount units are attached to the faucet (usually in the kitchen) or placed on the counter with connections to the faucet. There are two basic designs. One is the bypass option which has a valve to filter water used for cooking and drinking, and prolongs the life of the carbon cartridge. In contrast, the non-bypass option filters all water passing through the faucet. Because the quantity of carbon contained in a faucet-mount unit is not large enough to provide extensive contact with the water, these devices are not recommended for removal of toxic organics.The in-line device is installed beneath the kitchen sink in the cold water supply line; bypassing the unit for uses other than drinking or cooking is not an option. If both hot and cold water come from a single spigot, the treated (cold) water can mix with the untreated (hot) water. Treated water is assured only when using cold water for drinking and cooking.The line-bypass unit is also attached to the cold water pipe, but a separate faucet installed at the sink provides treated water for cooking and drinking. The regular tap delivers untreated water. This design increases the life of the carbon by allowing a choice of treated or untreated water, depending on the intended use.Specialty filters such as ice maker and scale filters are placed on the cold water supply line to appliances. Ice maker filters are attached to the cold water line to refrigerators or standard ice makers. Scale filters are connected to the supply line to water heaters or humidifiers.A point of entry (POE) device treats all water coming into the residence. There is no bypass option although water can be tapped prior to filtration to provide for outdoor, nonconsumptive uses. The POE device is recommended for treatment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in concentrations above established standards. Since VOCs easily vaporize from water into the air, POE treatment prevents inhalation of hazardous vapors from the shower, dishwasher or washing machine or exposure through skin contact. This device should meet certain guidelines concerning the application rate of water to the carbon, contact time between the water and the carbon, the type of carbon used, and the wastewater discharge. Specific recommendations are obtained from local health departments.Cost: Carbon filtering devices vary in price from $10 to $400 or more. For some models, cost of installation by a licensed plumber must be added to the purchase price. Replacement cartridges range in price from $3 to $50 or more.Fiber FiltersFiber filters contain spun cellulose or rayon and are designed to take out turbidity (suspended sediment). The tightly wrapped fibers form a cylinder around a tubular opening and line pressure forces water through the wrappings to the inner opening that leads to the faucet. After the fibers trap silt, filtered water passes to the opening that leads to the faucet. Fiber filters come in various meshes from fine to coarse with the lower micron rating being the finer. The finer the filter, the more particles will be trapped, requiring more frequent filter change.Cost: Fiber filter systems run about $25 to $1400, depending on whether they are a simple faucet attachment or connected directly to the plumbing for whole house treatment.Reverse Osmosis UnitsA reverse osmosis unit is effective in removing a wide variety of inorganic chemicals, such as nitrates, calcium, and magnesium. A reverse osmosis unit is up to 95 percent effective in removing inorganic contaminants. Unfortunately, reverse osmosis units also remove beneficial chemicals such as fluoride. Typically, a reverse osmosis unit is used to treat water only for drinking and cooking.A reverse osmosis system typically includes: a prefilter to remove sediment; an activated carbon filter to remove odors and taste; a semi-permeable membrane through which water flows under pressure; a tank to hold the treated water; and a drain connection for discharging concentrated contaminants. Different size reverse osmosis units are available. They may be located under the sink or in a remote location, depending on the size of the water holding tank. The capacity of the reverse osmosis system, in gallons per day, would need to be matched to household water needs. Most households find five gallons per day adequate.Cost: A reverse osmosis unit is expensive to purchase ($600 to $1000 is typical) but renting can be an option. The cost of a reverse osmosis unit needs to be weighed against the type and quantity of contaminants in the water, and the concern for safety. Further, the cost of a reverse osmosis unit should be compared to other alternatives such as bottled water.Choosing A Filtering UnitTap water is not "pure" water. Water can form solutions with many substances and these undissolved substances may remain suspended in the water. Impurities give water its distinctive taste, but impurities can include contaminants which impart disagreeable tastes and odors to water and are harmful as well.Before making the decision to purchase a water filtering device, the water should be analyzed for impurities that affect health. The local Health Department (usually located at the county seat) or the Texas Agricultural Extension Service water-testing laboratory can perform these tests. Charges are based on the number and type of tests performed.When purchasing a filtration device, the individual should consider the following:ΓÇöamount of carbon or fiber contained in the unit ΓÇöinitial and replacement filter costsΓÇöfrequency of filter changeΓÇöoperating convenience.Other important considerations are the potential water pressure drop in the home system after installation of a unit and the daily quantity of treated water supplied by the device.Kind of contaminants to be removed. If taste, odor and THMs are the major contaminants, a device with a carbon filter could remove much of the objectionable odor and/or taste. Some carbon filter units remove more than 50 percent of the THMs. It will remove limited quantities of rust, but particulate matter or high iron levels cause frequent fouling of the unit. If sediment is present in high levels a fiber filter may be needed.Filters have limitations. They will not soften water or remove bacteria, viruses, dissolved metals, hydrogen sulfide, chloride, fluoride, or nitrate. Neither activated carbon nor fiber filters are recognized methods for bacteria removal.If a large number of impurities (excluding bacteria) or undesirable contaminants are present, a reverse osmosis unit may be the best type of filtering unit to purchase, although cost of these units and space needed for installation may preclude purchasing.Space Available. In-line devices vary in space needed. Faucet-mounted units require clearance for the unit above the sink or space on the counter. Undersink mounted units require clearance space for the unit, branch lines and valves that may not be available if a large disposer is installed under the sink. The reverse osmosis units require space for the prefilter, the units, a water reservoir, valves and additional line connections. One square foot (.3m2) or less space (area and clearance) is needed for portable units.Maintenance. All except a few models of water treatment systems require replacement of the filtering medium to avoid a build-up of deposits. Except for specialty devices, the frequency of cartridge replacement is lower for the larger, more expensive units than for the smaller units. Effective life of the filtering medium varies with amount of water filtered and quantity of impurities in the water. Effective use periods for filters range from one to 12 months. Some of the higher priced units contain a back-washing system that manufacturers claim eliminates the need for replacement cartridges. Water at 145┬░F (63┬░C) is necessary for the back-washing system to be effective.Bacterial GrowthThe material in some filters provides a growth surface for bacteria. Regular use and maintenance is necessary to help prevent bacterial growth on the filter. To reduce bacterial count in the treated water, run the water for 30 seconds before water use each day, or until 1 to 2 quarts have passed through.SummaryWater treatments can produce a clearer, better tasting and smelling water, and increase its function for household use. Some water conditioning treatments also reduce other contaminants, such as nitrates, arsenic or lead, that are known or suspected health hazards. The kind of device you choose will depend on your water quality problem and budget.ReferencesClean Water at Your Tap. Rodale's New Shelter. Oct.1983, pp. 82-86.Hallaway, J. Drinking Water Treatment Devices: Filters. Colorado State University Extension Service: Service in Action. Nov. 1, 1983.Lalezary, S., M. Pirbazari and M. McGuire. "Evaluating Activated Carbons for Removing Low Concentrations of Taste and Odor-producing Organics." Journal of American Water Works Association. Nov. 1986, pp. 76-82.Lykins, B.W., E.E. Geldreich, J.Q. Adams, J.C. Ireland, and R.M. Clark. "Granular Activated Carbon for Removing Nontrihalomethane Organics from Drinking Water, Project Summary." USEPA, No. EPA-600/S2-84-165. Dec. 1984.Oulman, C.S., V.L. Snoeyink, J.T. O'Connor, M.J. Taras. "Removing Trace Organics from Drinking Water Using Activated Carbon and Polymeric Absorbents.'' EPA Project Summary. EPA-600/S2-81-077, 078, 079. Jul. 1981. Cincinnati, OH.Reasoner, P. Journal of American Water WorksAssociation, 79 (10):60, 1987.Ruzelle, R. Journal of American Water WorksAssociation, 79 (10): 53, 1987.Wagenet, Linda, Ann Lemley. Activated Carbon Treatment of Drinking Water. Cornell Cooperative Extension, New York State College of Human Ecology. Dec. 1987."Home Water Treatment Systems." Brochure issued by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. Number L-2280.</text>
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<text>PRIVATEWELL WATERTESTINGIntroductionRecent reports of groundwater contamination in some areas of the state have heightened concern over the safety of well water, especially for private well owners residing in rural areas. This bulletin is designed to address this concern and provide a list of laboratories and their testing capabilities along with recommended testing and sampling guidelines.Groundwater and Household WellsGroundwater originates as rain or snow that percolates through the soil, and becomes trapped in the cracks and crevices of sand, gravel, and rock. When all the pore spaces are filled with water, the area is saturated with "groundwater." Areas that provide an ample supply of groundwater are called aquifers. Some aquifers are located near the surface, whereas others are far underground. They are irregular in shape, and wells drilled a few hundred feet apart, either vertically or laterally, may reach different aquifers.Contaminants reaching the groundwater generally move very slowly, which can present a problem, since continued leakage in one spot will lead to gradually increased contamination. With slow movement, there is also little dilution. However, this slow movement is also beneficial because it keeps most contaminants confined to a small area, increasing the possibility for partial aquifer restoration. Generally, however, restoration is a difficult and costly undertaking.Extensive regulations control well construction. Many local health departments require well testing before a new public water supply well can begin operation. However, no regulations govern water quality in private wells. There are no enforceable limits for specific contaminants and no requirements for testing on a regular basis. Health agencies can only make recommendations as to the suitability of well water based on standards established for public drinking water supplies.Testing for ContaminantsNatural Substances in WaterWater is an excellent solvent and picks up an assortment of substances as it passes through the soil. These substances can occur naturally in water or result from human activities. Naturally occurring substances include trace metals, inorganic compounds and some organic compounds.Trace metals associated with groundwater include barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, silver, vanadium, and zinc. Other inorganic compounds that occur naturally in water supplies include calcium, chlorides, fluorides, iron, magnesium, and selenium. A number of these chemicals are essential for good health but may cause adverse health effects if absent or in excess. Most naturally occurring compounds in water do not cause health problems since they usually occur in such small amounts. However, some minerals impart undesirable properties such as unpleasant taste, odor or hardness to the water.Some contaminants are living organisms, mainly soil bacteria. The sulfur, iron and manganese bacteria cause the most common odor, taste, smell and discoloration problems. Occasionally other types of bacteria are present, such as coliform bacteria, and are indications of unsanitary conditions in a water system.Contaminants in Water from Human ActivitiesContaminants resulting from human activities include a wide range of organic compounds, such as trichloroethylene, a dry cleaning waste product; aldicarb, an agricultural pesticide; benzene, a petroleum by-product; and vinyl chloride, a waste product associated with the production of polyvinylchloride (PVC) piping. Inorganic contaminants include nitrate and heavy metals such as lead and mercury. In general, these contaminants pollute groundwater as a result of improper storage or disposal. Leaking underground storage tanks and leaking landfills are two common examples of this problem. At high levels, these contaminants may render water unsuitable for drinking and may cause adverse health effects.Water TestingTests of well water must be very specific. It is not possible to test one well and determine the contaminant levels of other wells in that area. Nor can one test be run that analyzes the water for all possible contaminants. It is usually up to the discretion of an individual well owner with consultation from a competent professional to decide if well testing is needed and which tests should be performed.Several types of testing are available. The coliform bacteriological test is designed to detect bacterial contamination from a possible sewage or wastewater problem.A second type of analysis, a partial chemical analysis, is used to detect commonly occurring inorganic constituents, such as chloride, fluoride, hardness, iron, nitrate, and sodium. Some of these, such as fluoride and nitrate, may be health hazards at excessive levels. Others, such as chloride and iron, are usually of concern because of their effects on water taste, color, odor or cleaning properties.A third and potentially very expensive analysis is a specific chemical analysis, used to identify one or a few particular chemicals suspected of being present in the water. Because it is not possible to simply analyze water for everything, the well owner, with professional assistance, must narrow down the possible contaminants so that a limited set of tests can be conducted.Role of the Public Health DepartmentIf well water quality is in doubt, a well owner should first contact the local health department. Department sanitarians can discuss the problem and recommend further action. In some cases, a visit to the well site will be needed before a decision can be reached. Testing the water may be the next step. This testing may be done by the local or state health department or by a private testing firm.The local county health department provides for a general household water quality test free of charge. The test includes hardness, conductivity (a test for dissolved solids), iron, sodium, chloride, fluoride, and nitrate. In a separate test, the county health department will also do a total coliform bacteria count, free of charge. Based on the test results, they will recommend whether or not more extensive testing is needed. The agencies work on a priority system, taking into account both the potential health risk and the number of people who may be affected. Testing may have to be supplemented by private laboratories due to the limited resources of public health departments.Private Testing LaboratoriesPrivate laboratories have facilities to test for a wide variety of chemicals. They charge fees based on the type and extent of testing desired. Each private laboratory has its own quality assurance plan and prices. Before a laboratory is contacted, it is important to determine its credibility by requesting a copy of its quality assurance plan and information concerning state and national certification. When requesting price information make sure that the quotation includes the desired tests and any kits that will be needed for home sampling.Costs of the services vary with each laboratory. Some have a general home well water quality package that covers a variety of chemical parameters. These packages can cost anywhere from $35 to $950 depending on the parameters tested. Individual metal analyses average $15 each depending on the metal. A coliform bacteria test averages $20. Organic contaminant analysis can average as much as $200 depending on the test requested. It is strongly recommended that at least three laboratories be contacted for price comparisons before the final choice is made.Testing GuidelinesThe following guidelines can be followed if a well requires a water analysis.ΓÇó Decide what problems are being encountered, and which tests may be most desirable. The more specific you can be, the easier and less costly it will be to perform tests.ΓÇó Choose an analytical laboratory that performs the types of tests you require. If you are uncertain as to which tests are needed, you can discuss your situation with the laboratory personnel or your local county health official. They can recommend the appropriate types of analyses. ΓÇó Proper sampling procedures are critical to ensure accurate test results. Do not collect your own samples unless you are sure of the procedures used for proper collection, preparation, preservation, and shipping. It is recommended that you obtain specific instructions from the laboratory selected or the local health department that will analyze your samples. Some laboratories will take samples for an additional fee. ΓÇó Upon receipt of your analytical results, discuss them with an appropriate professional, such as a toxicologist, sanitarian, or physician, before taking further action. The numbers reported are meaningless by themselves and may be easily misinterpreted.SummaryIf the quality of well water is in doubt, the well owner should contact the local health department. If water testing is recommended, the well owner must then decide where to have the water tested. The local county health department provides some free well-water testing but works on a priority system. For a fee, private testing laboratories can report results of some analyses in about two weeks. In order to reduce the cost of testing, the well owner along with the local sanitarian should attempt to identify the source of the contamination. The appropriate tests can then be selected. Understanding groundwater constituents and contaminants as well as characteristics of the aquifer and surrounding area will help the well owner make the proper decisions concerning the testing of well water.Sampling SuggestionsIf you are going to collect the sample yourself, the following suggestions will help ensure the reliability of the water sample and, consequently, the accuracy of the laboratory's results.Use the sampling kit soon after receiving it. Read and follow sampling kit directions.Wash hands thoroughly before sampling to help ensure that the sample is not accidentally contaminated.Take the sample from an untreated "raw" water source. Run cold "raw" water for 15-20 minutes before filling the sample bottle. Collect and ship the sample to the laboratory at the beginning of the week.By Erich Ditschman and Frank M. D'Ittri, Institute of Water Research; and Michael Kamrin, Center for Environmental Toxicology, Michigan State University.</text>
