The Environment And Water Treatment Systems

Most U.S cities have adopted a complex system for treating their water supplies, but systems designed to remove contaminants don't necessarily remove all harmful substances. This then allows contaminants to get beyond the water treatment facilities that supply contaminated water to the majority of households. In cities where such contamination has led to health problems for citizens, several U.S. municipalities have increased public awareness and attention in the media to address the issue. In some areas, wastewater treatment has also come under closer scrutiny due to environmental concerns.

The need for clean water is, however, not limited to developing countries. Though millions of people currently live without reliable, clean water sources every day, some local communities in the United States can't afford to build and maintain reliable treatment systems.

Here in America, many states are also facing water shortages due to severe droughts. When successfully educating people about cutting down on water usage is difficult in some communities, proper treatment of wastewater is vital. Water, if treated properly, can be re-used in many instances. Water reclamation is just one option currently being researched as a viable possibility for water shortages. In addition, some methods for reducing use are being explored. Many homeowners use low-flow toilets and rain showerheads to reduce water use, but there may also be many more ways to cut down in the near future.

In addition, building new treatment plants or updating existing ones is costly. Many cities simply can't or don't want to spend the money on necessary updates. Even water treatment workers are faced with coercion and feel they must falsify water-testing reports in order to keep their jobs. What many municipalities fail to realize, however, is that eventually either a state or federal agency will be called to investigate when contamination causes a citizen to become hospitalized or worse.

Another area to explore as a new source is stormwater runoff. It many cities across the United States, it is illegal to build a pond or reservoir to store such water. Some people collect rainwater runoff from rooftops to be used agriculturally.

Around the globe, water supplies are quickly being depleted and sources for clean water are diminishing. In other areas, building treatment facilities that provide safe, clean water is not an affordable solution.

During World Water Week in Stockholm in 2015, the need to provide safe, clean water for all people, the need for sustainable water systems and water usage, and the conservation of waterways and water related ecosystems were the key themes to protecting international health and the environment. Finding out how you or your family can help is the first step. The next is finding out which water initiatives are sound and should be supported by legislators.

The Growing Need for Advanced Water Treatment is an infographic created by students in the University of California Riverside's Master's in Engineering program. It explains why it is more important than ever to invest in water sanitation for the health, safety, and economic growth of the nation.

Posted on Aug 19, 2016