Download Major Sources of Water Pollution

Major Sources of Water Pollution
 organic solvents used as chemical
cleaners and oils used in industry
(examples include carbon tetrachloride
and trichloroethane)
 gasoline and other petroleum products
from leaky tanks and spills
 pesticides, herbicides and fungicides
used to eliminate garden pests and kill
weeds and fungi
 road salt used to de-ice roadways
 fertilizers used to grow crops (nitrates)
 septic tanks containing household waste
(coliform bacteria)
 garbage dumps without protective linings
 lead from plumbing pipes
Should you filter the water that comes
into your home? Consumer Reports has
evaluated various types of filtering
systems. There are many on the market
of varying prices.
Should you drink bottled water? Although
the label on a bottle of water may state
that the water is purified, the water may
still be tap water.
 The Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) has identified more than 1000
sources of contamination in drinking
water.
 There may be another 1000 not
recognized by that agency.
 Public water companies must test for at
least 30 of these pollutants on a regular
basis and monitor over thirty more.
 Local water suppliers are required by law
to provide upon request a copy of the
most recent analysis of compounds and
chemicals found in your water.
Remember the sources of water pollution
can come from industrial, residential,
business or recreational sources.