Engineering Commons^™

Emergency Disinfection Of Drinking Water, Joseph L. Taraba, Thomas W. Ilvento, Linda M. Heaton

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

In preparation for emergency situations, there is a need to have a supply of stored water and the ability to disinfect that water and other sources of water that may be available. In emergencies, the main threat from drinking water for people is disease causing organisms. It is important that all water be disinfected before using when there is an uncertainty as to its purity. Stored water that has been disinfected and placed into disinfected containers does not give a person complete certainty of the absence of disease organisms when it is opened because the lids of these containers can …

Home Water Disinfection Methods, Joseph L. Taraba, Thomas W. Ilvento, Linda M. Heaton

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

The source of bacteria in your water supply can come from the water source itself, the contamination of the well and/or piping system during maintenance or construction or improper well construction. There are four disinfection methods available for the private water system:

• Chlorination (simple chlorination, super chlorination and shock chlorination)
• Ultraviolet (UV) light
• Ozonation

Protection Of Private Groundwater Drinking Supplies, Joseph L. Taraba, Jim Dinger, James Webb

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

There are three general objectives that this slide presentation concentrates on; First of all, we want to acquaint you with the hydrologic cycle. If one understands this cycle; then, an appreciation for what activities might contaminate our water supplies can be obtained. Secondly, we want to review some of the land use practices that may result in water resource contamination. Thirdly, we want to review well construction and maintenance practices that may result in contamination of an individuals source of drinking water. That brings us to the major goal of this entire program. This major goal is to get each …

Activated Carbon Filters, Joseph L. Taraba, Linda Heaton, Tom Ilvento

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

Many people feel the water supplied by public water systems to their home faucets is not safe. Most people judge the quality of their water by taste, odor and appearance. But the risk to one's health cannot be judged by these factors. Many of the chemicals or biological organisms that affect one's health are tasteless, odorless and cannot be seen. In searching for a means to improve the safety to their drinking water they encounter water filters, water purifiers, activated carbon (AC) filters that are common names for home drinking water treatment devices. In reading the labels, boxes and instructions …

Lead In Your Drinking Water, Joseph L. Taraba

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recently imposed a regulation requiring public water suppliers to notify all their customers of the potential health effects of lead from household plumbing. The USEPA regulates public water supplies (with at least 15 service connections or servicing 25 individuals) but does not regulate private water supplies. The potential health hazard of lead is also present from household plumbing which is supplied water from a private water source.

How Safe Is Your Drinking Water?, Larry R. Piercy, Joseph L. Taraba

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

Water is a basic ingredient of life and a safe water supply is essential for our good health. Adequate supplies of clean drinking water, whether it comes from a well or from a municipal treatment plant should be everyone's concern. The recent drought conditions have forced many people to realize how critical adequate and safe water supplies really are to the well-being of their families and communities.

What Is Your Farm's Potential To Pollute Your Drinking Water Supply, Joseph L. Taraba

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

The following list of questions are a useful guide to assess whether farm and/or home activities or the type of well contribute to polluting your private drinking water well. If you answer "yes" for one or more of the questions than you should begin a program of annual well testing. It is recommended that a coliform bacteria test and nitrate test be performed annually. The annual cost for these tests performed by a testing laboratory is $26.00. There is an additional test that is available that determines if there is the presence of organic halides (chlorinated or brominated organics) called …

Acceptable Paints, Coatings, Sealants And Liners For Potable Water Systems, Joseph L. Taraba

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

The maintenance of safe drinking water from an individual domestic water supply requires the use of materials that do not regrade the water by adding contaminants that increase health risk to humans. Paints, coatings, sealants or liners are used in the construction and maintenance of wells, ponds and cistern water supply systems. The accompanying list is provided as an aid to the homeowner in choosing material(s) that will not contaminate the water.

Home Treatment Devices Listing Organizations, Joseph L. Taraba

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

Today there is a need for consumer information to assess the multitude of drinking water treatment devices for home use as well as related private drinking water services. There are several organizations that have conducted or conduct on a continuing basis testing of water treatment devices and water treatment services.

Home Water Testing, Joseph L. Taraba, Tom Ilvento, Linda Heaton, Bob Herbst, Grant Thomas, Dwight Crum

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

Routine testing for a few of the most common contaminants is highly recommended. Even if you currently have a safe, pure water supply, regular testing can be valuable because it establishes a record of water quality. This record can be helpful in solving any future problems and in obtaining compensation if someone damages your water supply. Testing needs to be performed by certified testing laboratory using USEPA methods of collection, storage and testing. Unbiased testing needs to be established and has more validity in court proceedings to establish responsibility.