The quality of water is an essential part of the infrastructure of a city or state, which affects the health of the population and the level of well-being. It is necessary to carry out a variety of analyzes and tests of water quality, using modern technologies to detect all substances. In addition, for residents of certain cities and communities, it is essential to check the availability of reports about the quality of water in a certain area. The reports include the latest tests and analyzes that can tell one if the water is drinkable. Thus, the purpose of the work is to review the water quality reports in Phoenix, Arizona, over the past two years and analyze the results.
In order to effectively check the quality of water, it is necessary to exclude the presence of a wide variety of bacteria, viruses, and harmful substances in it. Before analyzing the substances found in Phoenix water, it is worth mentioning that the presence of substances in water does not always pose a threat. Moreover, one will always find some substances in bottled or tap water, as while the water travels through the pipes, some substances get into it. However, they are not always hazardous to health and may include microbes, salts, metals, and other substances in small amounts (Phoenix Water Quality Report, 2021). In addition, the water may contain pesticides, organic chemicals, and radioactive substances that have appeared as a result of human activity.
To check the quality of water, it is necessary to conduct many annual water tests, which can be performed in a cyclical manner. Thus, in 2021, a cyclic water test in Phoenix found elements in the water such as Manganese, Germanium, HAA6Br, HAA9, Total Organic Carbon, and Bromide (Phoenix Water Quality Report, 2021). It should be noted that all of the following items except HAA6Br and HAA9 are of natural origin or appear in nature independently of human activity. Despite the fact that the amount of the elements listed below are not threatening to human health, there are still ethical aspects of water purity.
Among the main substances hazardous to human health and life are those that, if ingested, can cause negative consequences. It includes toxins and allergens that can cause poisoning, allergies, and long-term health problems (Environmental Science, 2022). However, even if the water is clear, it may have a strange taste, smell, color, or texture (Summers, 2021). It is the ethical purity of water, that is, which does not affect health, but only the taste and appearance of liquid. For example, a musty smell in clean water can be explained by algae that grow in pipes at certain times of the year. Moreover, it may affect the color of the water but have no health consequences. To eliminate the ethical aspects of water purity, one can install a home filter.
Speaking about the problem of water pollution in my community, one can highlight several aspects. Firstly, near the local river, there is a plant associated with industrial production. Despite the fact that there is no direct discharge of waste into the river, the plant emits tons of emissions into the atmosphere. In addition, some particles settle in the form of harmful dust on the surface of the water (Ahamed & Lichtfouse, 2021). Moreover, it affects rainwater as harmful substances are released into the atmosphere. The latest water quality reports did not include the news that the water in my community was not drinkable. However, for complete comfort, community residents purchase additional water filtration systems in their homes.
To improve water quality, it is necessary to be aware of management practices to minimize water pollution. It includes both global practices and personal habits that will positively influence the situation (Summers, 2021). For example, improved control practices for industrial facilities that could theoretically dump waste into bodies of water. Moreover, the location of an object far from a river or lake does not mean that waste is not dumped there. In some cases, owners illegally drive a waste pipe into a sewer leading to a body of water.
The second management practice to improve water quality lies in personal habits. It includes cleaning up the environment by collecting garbage, following garbage distribution practices, etc. It seems that one person cannot influence the global situation. However, when action is taken by the millions, positive outcomes appear. Finally, the latest practice is to control better the movement of resources and the use of ships. In case of accidents, millions of tons of oil or other substances enter the seas and oceans, which lead to environmental disasters.
To conclude, it was determined that according to the Phoenix water quality reports, there is no threat to the health of residents. However, certain substances were found, albeit in safe amounts. In addition, it has been noted that dirty water containing microbes, viruses, toxins, and allergens can cause poisoning and long-term consequences for people. One identified three management practices for minimizing water pollution, which include both global and personal.
References
Ahamed, I., & Lichtfouse, E. (2021). Water pollution and remediation: organic pollutants. Springer Nature.
Environmental Science. (2022). Toxins in the environment.
Phoenix Water Quality Reports. (2021).
Saxena, S. K. (2019). Water-associated infectious diseases. Springer Nature.
Summers, J. K. (2020). Water quality: science, assessments and policy. Books on Demand.