Understanding Water Contamination

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Sewage backup is contaminated with biological viruses and bacteria.

Water Contamination

Water contamination poses a threat to both humans and the environment. Water becomes contaminated when it is altered by the presence of chemicals, microbes, or some other physical change. Even water that enters your house in Madeira, OH, via the main water supply line contains small amounts of contaminants that are harmless.

1. Chemical Contaminated Water
Chemical contaminants are compounds or elements that occur naturally or can be man-made. These include pesticides, salts, bleach, nitrogen, drugs, toxins, and metals.
Your water might be chemically contaminated if it is cloudy or filmy, contains sediment, has a metallic taste, smells of sulfur or chlorine, or shows some coloration.

2. Biological Contaminated Water
Biological contaminants are microbes or microscopic organisms that transmit disease. These can include pathogens such as parasites, bacteria, protozoa, and viruses.
Signs that your drinking water might include any of these pathogens include fatigue, nausea, headaches, fever, cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea.

3. Physical Contaminated Water
Physical contaminants concern the physical properties of water and normally can be seen. Any organic material or sediment buildup in lakes, rivers, and streams, and wastewater from sewage are physical contaminants.

4. Waste Water
Contaminates are present in wastewater, which is water that has been used in the home and water from rain runoff. There are two categories of wastewater in the home.
Black water is wastewater from toilets, typically called sewage. It contains urine and feces, as well as water and toilet paper, from flush toilets, and can carry pathogens.
Gray water is wastewater from bathtubs, showers, sinks, and washing machines. Because it has a lower level of contamination, gray water is easier to treat and process.
If you suspect your water is contaminated, you should immediately stop using it and contact a professional water damage company. Water contamination harms the environment and can lead to disease, illness, and even death.