Hardness of water
This section deals with hardness of water and is sourced from water-research.net, a website dedicated to information for private well owners, evaluation of water and wastewater treatment systems, and education/outreach programs. Water described as "hard" is high in dissolved minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium. Hard water is not a health risk, but a nuisance because of mineral buildup on fixtures and poor soap and/or detergent performance.
The hardness (calcium and magnesium concentration) of water can be approximated with a home-use water testing kit, or can be measured more accurately with a laboratory water test. Water hardness can be managed with packaged water softeners or with a mechanical ion exchange softening unit.
The various sections of the course are -
- Sources of Hardness Minerals in Drinking Water
- Indications of Hard Water
- Potential Health Effects
- Water Testing
- Interpreting Test Results
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Water testing for bacteria, coliform, nuisance bacteria, viruses and pathogens in drinking water
This section deals with water testing - bacteria, coliform, nuisance bacteria, viruses and pathogens in drinking water and is sourced from water-research.net.
Bacterial contamination of drinking water can be a problem. A water test is the only way to evaluate whether bacteria is present in a water supply. Proper well location and construction are keys to avoiding bacterial contamination of drinking water. If contamination is present, attempt to identify and eliminate the source of the contamination. A contaminated water supply can be disinfected, but it is recommended that you contact a professional consultant for your area.
The various actions recommended in the course are -
- Get your water tested and encourage your neighbors to do the same.
- Compile information on the types and location of hazardous waste and industrial sites in your area and information about your source.
- Contact your local health department.
- Other water testing services - water check testing packages - multiple packages to fit your needs. E-water test to offer the priority 150 water test.
- Test the water yourself for bacteria
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Total coliform bacteria testing
This section deals with the total coliform bacteria test, a primary indicator of "potability", suitability for consumption of drinking water. It measures the concentration of total coliform bacteria associated with the possible presence of disease causing organisms. The section is sourced from water-research.net, a website dedicated to information for private well owners, evaluation of water and wastewater treatment systems, and education/outreach programs.
Bacterial contamination of drinking water can be a problem. A water test is the only way to evaluate whether bacteria is present in a water supply. Proper well location and construction are keys to avoiding bacterial contamination of drinking water. If contamination is present, attempt to identify and eliminate the source of the contamination. A contaminated water supply can be disinfected, but it is recommended that you contact a professional consultant for your area.
The various sections are –
- Sources
- Potential health hazards
- Testing
- Treatment
Read more about total coliform bacteria testing