» Description of Water Problems

Mocrobiolofically Unsafe Water

The first and most important consideration given to any water supply is dependable protection from diseases caused by waterborne organisms. Water which is not continuously disinfected has no safeguard against disease causing organisms. It cannot provide protection whenever or whenever these organisms enter the system. They may enter with raw water or they may seep into the distribution piping. 1.WHAT TYPES OF DISEASE-CAUSING ORGANISMS, CALLED PATHOGENS, ARE THERE ?

There are many types of microscopic organisms which can survive in relatively clean water. Among them are bacteria, viruses and protozoa. Some of these micro organisms are known to be pathogenic capable of producing disease. Microscopic organisms cannot be seen by the human eye; nor do they have any taste or scent.

a. Bacteria

Bacteria are tiny living organisms about one micron (one twenty-five thousands of an inch) in size. (To give a better perception, the human eye can see thing which are 50 microns of larger in size.)

b. Viruses

Viruses are minute living organisms much of a smaller than bacteria. The size of an individual virus varies from 0.02 to 0.25 microns.

Infectious hepatitis is an example of virus-caused waterborne disease. It is one of the most prevalent contagious diseases in our countries today.

c. Protozoa

Protozoa are large than bacteria. Various forms range from five to one hundred microns in size. The most common pathogenic Protozoan is end amoeba histolytic which transmits amoebic dysentery.

2. DISSOLVED MINERAL CONTENT

3. ACID CONTENT

4. IRON CONTENT

5. EXCESSIVE CHLORIN

6. SULPHUR CONTENT

7. WATER HARDNESSTES,  

8. TASTES ODORS AND TURBIDITY