Water Quality Challenges and Contaminant Risks in Mora Municipality Essay

Introduction

Water quality refers to the biological, chemical, and physical conditions of water for its respective uses. Water can be used for various purposes, and quality is crucial to ensuring suitability for the intended use. Since some water sources are contaminated, it is crucial to assess the water quality before use. Whether from groundwater or surface sources, contaminants can compromise water quality. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set safe drinking water standards to regulate the quality of drinking water and ensure Americans consume safe water.

Mora Municipal, like other regions, is working hard through the Mora Works to provide safe water to residents within the municipality. Groundwater is the most prevalent water source in Mora Municipality, accounting for more than half of the water consumed in the region. However, overland water sources, such as lakes, rivers, and rainfall, also contribute significantly. As a result, Mora’s water quality is at high risk of being compromised due to exposure to various contaminants, necessitating regular assessment.

Water Quality

Since water sources are exposed to various contaminants, including organic and inorganic substances, bacteria, and other substances, no water is pure or free from contaminants. In addition, not every presence or amount of contaminants makes water unsafe for consumption; however, there is a specific limit that renders water unsafe for human consumption. All drinking water in Mora Municipality is regulated by the EPA in conjunction with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which sets quality standards for drinking water (Minnesota Department of Health, 2016).

The agencies check and approve the water content by analyzing for contaminants. The limits vary for each set of contaminants; exceeding them compromises water quality and renders it unsafe for consumption. The standards apply to both bottled and public tap water in Mora. Water quality in Mora Municipality has been examined annually over the past few years, with the latest assessment conducted in 2021/2022.

The reports indicate that Mora’s water quality is compromised by various contaminants that are harmful to both human health and the environment (City of Mora, n.d.). The assessment was conducted on various possible contaminants, including lead, nitrate, copper, barium, trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, chlorine, and fluoride, among others, and their amounts were examined against the set standard based on the presence per water drop.

The quality assessment revealed that Mora water contained a sufficient amount of lead to compromise its quality and render it unsafe for consumption. Although the amount was small, the presence of lead made it unsafe for drinking (City of Mora, n.d.-a). According to EPA and FDA standards, water should contain no lead to be considered safe. Any presence of the element compromises the quality and makes it unfit for consumption. This is because lead is a toxic substance that poses significant risks to human health, regardless of the amount.

Second, the assessment results showed that Mora water contained sufficient levels of copper contaminants, which were sufficient to compromise its quality and render it unsafe. Any amount of copper in water makes it unsuitable for use; this is why the EPA requires a zero copper level in drinking water (Kohlgraf, 2021). As a lead, copper is another hazardous component that is detrimental to human health. Since most Mora water originates from underground sources, treatment and other services should be implemented to significantly reduce copper levels, thereby enhancing quality and making it safe for consumption.

Third, the recent water quality report showed that Mora water was free from nitrate contaminants that could affect its quality. Even though it is dangerous, a smaller amount of nitrate in water has little or no health effect on consumers. The regulatory agencies set the harmful amount above one drop in every million water drops. The results indicated that Mora water had a nitrate concentration of less than one part per million (Kohlgraf, 2021). This level was confirmed by the report to be below the hazardous limit.

Barium is the fourth contaminant tested for in Mora water. According to the results, Mora water did not contain sufficient barium components to affect its quality and make it unsafe for consumption (Kohlgraf, 2021). The amount was below the limit set by the EPA and FDA, which was 2 drops per million drops, further proof of its safety from barium contamination.

The examination further covered contaminants related to disinfection, with the presence of both THMs and HAA assessed. The FDA, in conjunction with the EPA, regulates the volume of HAA acids and their THM constituents. Similar to other contaminants, the safety or danger of acids depends mainly on their concentration level in the water (Kohlgraf, 2021). Based on the results, Mora water is deemed safe from these contaminants, as their presence is below the established standard limit. It therefore does not compromise the water’s quality or safety.

Fluoride is an essential component of water, as it enhances its quality through its beneficial properties. Quality water should contain an adequate amount of fluoride to supplement both the taste and health significance (Kohlgraf, 2021). The results showed that Mora water had sufficient fluoride to enhance its quality and make it suitable for consumption. In summary, although Mora water contains some chemical elements, such as copper and lead, which affect its quality, it is still used for consumption.

Quality Issues

Mora water has numerous quality issues due to the presence of harmful minerals. The first one is the presence of lead in the water (Kohlgraf, 2021). Mora water contains a harmful level of lead, making it unsafe to drink. Lead is a dangerous mineral that can cause numerous health risks to children and expectant women. A second quality concern in Mora water is the presence of copper, which poses a health risk to consumers. Copper is linked to serious health problems, specifically liver and heart damage.

A third water quality issue is excess manganese (Kohlgraf, 2021). This high level of manganese in the water is also considered detrimental to users’ health, according to “Home water softening: frequently asked questions” (Department of Health & Pollution Control Agency, 2019). Excess manganese is known for its health hazards for vulnerable groups such as children, expectant women, and older people.

Impact on the Environment and Human Health

Water pollution has a significant impact that encompasses both human health and the environment as a whole. The level of pollution’s impact depends on the source of the contaminants. The effects of chemical contaminants, such as herbicides, and inorganic pollutants, like lead, vary on both the environment and human health. Similarly, pollutants such as untreated sewage and plastic waste vary in their effects (City of Mora, n.d.-b). However, all water pollutants are harmful to the environment and human health.

Aquatic Life

Many animals depend on water for shelter, and the safety of water is crucial to their survival. Water pollution harms certain animals by destroying their habitats, making it difficult for them to survive and thrive. Organic pollutants, such as metals like copper and lead, are harmful to the health of aquatic animals. In addition, the toxic effects of chemical contaminants, such aspesticides and herbicides, pose a threat to aquatic animals (Kohlgraf, 2021). Some individuals carelessly dispose of chemical waste in water without considering the safety of marine animals. Additionally, water provides habitat for aquatic plants. Pollution from contaminants, such as chemicals or metals, threatens the lives of aquatic plants.

Health Risks

Contaminated water poses a significant threat to human life and can lead to numerous health risks. Lead and copper, the primary contaminants in Mora water, pose various health risks to residents who use the water (Kohlgraf, 2021). For example, lead can cause intellectual disability in children or miscarriage in expectant women.

Secondly, excess manganese in water can contribute to cognitive problems. Finally, copper is commonly known for causing kidney and liver damage. Moreover, exposure to chemicals can cause skin rashes, diarrhea, and even death.

How to Minimize Water Pollution

Home Water Treatment

Treating water at home before consumption helps to reduce pollution and make water safe. Typically, water is exposed to various unexpected contaminants. For instance, groundwater forms the largest water source for Mora Municipality, meaning the water is exposed to metallic contaminants from the pipes (Environmental Health Division, n.d.). Therefore, through home treatment with a softener, metallic components such as lead and copper can be successfully removed, keeping the water free from contaminants.

Minimizing the Use of Chemicals

Chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides contribute to water pollution; therefore, regulating their use would help minimize water pollution. Local government for Mora Municipality is encouraging residents to embrace alternative crop protection practices such as pruning (Kohlgraf, 2021). For those who stick to chemical use, the government advises on the proper disposal of waste and materials. In addition, inorganic fertilizers, such as nitrates, are known to contribute to water pollution; therefore, farmers are encouraged to explore alternative options, such as organic manure.

Treating Waste Products Before Disposal

Some waste products are hazardous and significantly contribute to water pollution. It is therefore important to treat waste products before disposing of them in water bodies. Untreated sewage leads among the wastes polluting Mora water; as a result, the government has been encouraging the treatment of sewage before disposal (Kohlgraf, 2021). All sewer systems are being equipped with a treatment mechanism. Similarly, the Mora local government is fixing faulty sewer systems to prevent the leaking of untreated sewage. Additionally, the government is promoting the practice of reusing certain waste materials to minimize excess disposal.

Conclusion

The report indicates that water quality in Mora Municipality is compromised as the water contains dangerous inorganic minerals such as copper, lead, and manganese, making it unsafe for consumption. Although other contaminants were not enough to render it unsafe, the presence of the harmful metallic components compromises its quality. Pollution can harm the environment by harming aquatic life and posing health risks to humans. However, to minimize pollution, practicing home water treatment and treating waste products before disposal are essential.

References

City of Mora. (n.d.-a). Lead & Copper Testing. City of Mora. Retrieved from https://www.ci.mora.mn.us/water-utility/pages/lead-copper-testing

City of Mora. (n.d.-b). Wastewater utility. City of Mora. Retrieved from https://www.ci.mora.mn.us/water-utility/pages/wastewater-utility