Download Student Advocates for Environmental Water

Student Advocates for Environmental Water
A student-run business at Centennial High School sponsored
by W.R. Grace, Lock heed-Martin, and Choice Hotels
REASONS TO TEST
YOUR WATER
THE CITY TESTS WATER AT THE
SOURCE, NOT IN INDIVIDUAL
HOMES.
Preview:
1. Tap Water vs. Bottles Water
2. Corrosion of Household and Water Utility
Piping
3. Lead Levels in Water is Misrepresented
Across the U.S.
1. Tap Water
vs. Bottled
Water
Misconception: Supermarket bottled water is safer than tap water.
Reality:
-National Resource Defense Council report: 60 to 70% of all bottled water
exempt from FDA’s standards because bottled and sold within the
same state.
-Bottled water companies avoid complying with basic health standards,
such as those that apply to municipally treated tap water.
-High Levels of cancer-causing bromate have been found in Dasani.
Conclusion: The “safe” water bought in stores may be more harmful
than tap water.
2. Corrosion of
Household and
Water Utility
Piping
Metal pipe corrosion causes metal leaking
into the drinking water, which can cause
Gastrointestinal disease* and bacterial
infections.
*Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
3. Lead Levels in Water is
Misrepresented Across the U.S

Lead exposure can cause serious health problems,
including brain and kidney damage in adults.
 Some cities have even thrown out the tests that show high
readings of lead.
 Many communities have a false sense of security about the
quality of their water.
 Federal, state, and utility records show a number of utilities
masked the extent of lead contamination, ignored
requirements to correct problems, and failed to report
the data to regulators.
 These reports have hit close to home: New York,
Pennsylvania, and the D.C. area all have reports of
dangerous levels of lead.
HOW TO ENSURE
WATER SAFETY

Have your water tested by SAFEH2O.

The SAFEH2O tests identity sources of
possible water quality problems in your
home. Each profile is customized to
individual water samples and analysis
information accompanies all test results.
AVAILABLE WATER
TESTS
SAFEH2O offers two test packages.
1. Essential Test
2. Lead Test
Essential Test

pH: Waters with low pH are especially dangerous
because they increase the toxicity of certain
chemicals and metals and slowly dissolve copper
pipes.
 Hardness: On skin, hardness blocks pores, attracts
and holds dust and bacteria, and causes chapping,
itching, and dryness. Hard water clogs pipes and
plumbing fixtures, leaves spots on glass and
dishware, discolors water and makes it taste bad.
Essential Test Continued

Copper: Concentrations exceeding 1 mg/L cause
bitter-tasting water and may result in vomiting and
lead to liver damage.
 Chlorine: Chlorine gas, even at low
concentrations, can kill or pose long-term health
threats.
 Nitrates: A widespread containment in fertilizer
that causes bacteria growth, which is a major
concern in western Howard County.
Lead Test
When ingested, lead enters the blood stream.
It is stored in the body and extended exposure may
lead to irreversible damage to the nervous,
reproductive, and blood forming systems. This
may cause:
- learning disabilities
- delinquent behavior
- hyperactivity
- Kidney and Heart disease
- Brain damage
DO NOT DELAY! HAVE
YOUR WATER TESTED BY
SAFEH2O TODAY!
A $10.00 tax-deductible donation is requested for
each water test. A portion of the proceeds will go
to the tsunami victims.
WHAT IS SAFEH2O?

WHO WE ARE
To address residential water safety concerns, a water characterization service was developed by
students of Centennial High School (CHS) and W. R. Grace, our business partner. This service is
called SAFEH2O (Student Advocates for Environmental Water). Our goals are to assay residential
water for certain characteristics, to inform the public of possible contaminants, and to educate
citizens about safe and healthy water.

WHAT WE DO
SAFEH2O is an innovative project, providing students with experience in a science-oriented, small
business environment. It gives students an opportunity to apply knowledge attained in earth science,
environmental science, chemistry, and computer science.

GOALS OF SAFEH2O
The goals of this business include developing student science and technology skills, providing
students an opportunity to learn and apply business skills, and involving students, teachers, and
Centennial's business partners in the project.