Introduction Video
Directions: A few years ago a horrible thing happened in Flint Michigan. The city changed its source of water. When they did this, they ended up poisoning their water supply. As you watch the video of what happened, be prepared to share what you know.
At A Glance
water got infected
led and corrosion
add a corrosion protector
Water Reading
Water Purification is the removal of harmful materials from water. Scientists call harmful materials Contaminants. In order for humans to drink water, we must remove all the bacteria, and harmful chemicals so the water is clean enough for humans to drink.
Substances that are removed during the process include parasites (one celled living things), bacteria, algae, viruses, fungi, minerals (including toxic metals such as Lead, Copper etc.), and man-made chemical pollutants.
Many contaminants can be dangerous—but depending on the quality standards, others are removed to improve the water's smell, taste, and appearance. A small amount of disinfectant is usually intentionally left in the water at the end of the treatment process to reduce the risk of re-contamination in the distribution system.
Unfortunately, many cities focus on the cost of the purification process in the design of water purification plants. Groundwater is water that flows under the ground. Groundwater is cheaper to treat, but the water in the group usually has a limited.
Surface Water that comes from rain and melted snow should be carefully monitored for the presence of unusual types or levels of disease causing contaminants. Many plants focus on removing contaminants from surface water.