ENSC 280 In-class Activity Water Chapter 9 Welcome to water week! Today we will be investigating the water quality of drinking water in various places across CA. Please choose a water report from a...

Answer the questions in the docx


ENSC 280 In-class Activity Water Chapter 9 Welcome to water week! Today we will be investigating the water quality of drinking water in various places across CA. Please choose a water report from a city in CA and read through the report to assess the quality of the water. We will be focusing our investigation on the following 5 water pollutants: Water Pollutant Source of Pollutant Human Health Impacts MCL (maximum contaminant load) 1. Lead Corroding lead pipes; more common in urban areas with old homes/buildings -damage to nervous system, learning disabilities, shorter stature, impaired hearing, and impaired formation and function of blood cells 0 mg/L 2. Chlorine and Disinfection by-products Chlorine is added to water for disinfection purposes; Disinfection by-products are chemicals created during treatment of water with chlorine; more common in areas with low quality/polluted water -Has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory studies 4 mg/L 3. Nitrate Fertilizers; more common in agricultural regions using ground water -Very harmful to infants and pregnant women (disables hemoglobin from transporting oxygen) -potential cancer risk 10 mg/L 4. Arsenic Naturally occurring in parent rock; more common in groundwater/wells -Long-term exposure to arsenic can cause cancer and skin lesions. -It has also been associated with developmental effects, cardiovascular disease, neurotoxicity and diabetes 0 mg/L 5. Bacteria, E. coli Common in untreated sewage; common in low water quality regions and regions near animal facilities -Causes severe illness and can result in death (children and elderly are vulnerable) 0 mg/L Some terminology to help you interpret your water report: · MCL= Maximum contaminant level: the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water · MCLG= Maximum contaminant level goal: the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety · MRDL=Maximum residual disinfectant level. The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants · 1 mg/L = 1ppm · 1 μg/L = 1ppb Questions: 1. Once you have chosen your water report, write your city name here: _____________. Now browse the report and use your computer/phone to determine where this city sources its water. Is it local groundwater? From the Delta? The Colorado River? Etc. Describe below. 2. Look through the report table and find information about the 5 water pollutants described above. If the pollutant is not listed write N/A. Water Contaminant Reported Average Value and Range (if given) Average or range above MCL? Lead Chlorine and Disinfection by-products Nitrate Arsenic Bacteria, E. coli 3. Look through the table again, are there any pollutants that are listed above the MCL or maximum contaminant load according to the Save Drinking Water Act? Some reports will indicate ranges of values, do any of the ranges exceed the MCL? If so, list below. 4. Based on your investigation of this report, would you be happy drinking this water? Do you have any concerns? 1