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Name ____________________________________________________ Date _______________ Blk ______ NB#_____ Home Water Quality Report In addition, many of the foods we eat contain an acidic pH because of their bacteria killing functions. pH Reading So, what does pH mean for water? Basically, the pH value determines whether water is hard or soft. The pH of pure water is 7. In general, water with a pH lower than 7 is considered acidic, and with a pH greater than 7, basic. The normal range for pH in surface water systems is 6.5 to 8.5 and for groundwater systems 6 to 8.5. Alkalinity is a measure of the capacity of the water to resist a change in pH that would tend to make the water more acidic. The measurement of alkalinity and pH is needed to determine the corrosiveness of the water. The level shown for pH tells the amount of hydrogen ions in the water. This level indicates if the substance is too acidic (like vinegar or orange juice) or if the substance is basic (like ammonia or milk of magnesia). The water could be neutral, therefore showing no concentration of hydrogen ions. A hydrogen ion is looking for something to join with - if the water is acidic the ions will tear away metal in the pipes (if metal) leaving them corroded. When the pH is basic, you are actually dealing with a hydroxide ion, which will cling, to the surface of the pipes - thus clogging the path for the water to flow. pH Level _________________________________ How does pH affect water quality? (Think about drinking orange juice or milk of magnesia - How does your throat feel when drinking these substances?) __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Where the biggest impact water pH is has in home water quality? __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Chlorinated Water Water prepared for consumption often comes from surface locations (rivers & lakes). This water begins in a state that is not consumable for humans. Often the level of bacteria and fungus in the water can make humans sick or worse. To prepare large quantities of water, they are filtered and chemicals are added to kill these bacteria and fungus. Although this addition takes care of one problem, it can create another. Chemicals often change the flavor and the odor of the water. One of the chemicals added is chlorine, which has been attributed to decreasing some formerly troublesome diseases such as cholera, dysentery and salmonellas. (http://c3.org/chlorines_everyday_uses/3-31-98.html) There are recent concerns surfacing that continued exposure to chlorine in water can cause a higher risk for cancer. Chlorine Level _________________________________ Why is a chlorine supplement put into city water supplies? __________________________________________________________________________________________________ How does this addition to the water affect the overall quality of the water? __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Iron & Copper Concentrations Today, many pipes used in transportation of water are made of PVC. However, old well linings and municipal systems are often made of metal – iron or copper. As water passes through these pipes the current slowly wears away the pipe material. This process puts either copper or iron sediments into your water. When this happens your water can stain items it comes into contact with (clothing, sinks, and toilets). The stain for copper tends to be a bluish/green color and for iron it has a pinkish/red stain. This is frequently evident in toilet bowls where the water sits for long periods of time. The concentration level would need to be significant to be a health issue, however many people are discouraged from drinking the water because of the bitter metallic taste. Iron Concentration __________________________ Copper Concentration____________________________ Stains in tub & toilet _________________________________ How does the iron and copper get into the water supply? __________________________________________________________________________________________________ What are two ways you could tell if water has iron or copper in it without doing the chemical test? __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Water Condition: Hard or Soft When washing your hands or hair, the amount of suds or bubbles soap can create tends to imply how well it can clean. The actual truth is the soap must have the right kind of water to be able to generate good suds. Water can either be hard or soft. Hard water has lots of chemicals in it. This adds to the flavor of the water; however those chemicals make it difficult for the chemicals in soap to lather. Soft water on the other hand has one basic chemical in it: Sodium. This gives the water a salty taste; however it mixes well with soap and can generate lots of suds. Most people prefer the flavor of hard water; however those extra chemicals are hard on the pipes and water heaters in a home. They cause clogging and decrease the water heater’s ability to warm the water. (http://chemistry.about.com/cs/howthingswork/a/aa082403a.htm) Water Condition: Hard Soft Bubble Test: Describe the quantity and quality of the soap bubbles you can generate with your home water: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ How does the condition of the water (hardness/softness) affect the flow of water in your home? __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Water Facts: Check each that applies. _____ Well _____ City Water _____ Sewage System _____ Home Water Treatment System _____ Water Purifier (Brita, etc.) _____ Septic I have discussed the results of our home water test with my child. ___________________________________ Parent Signature