Drinking water quality Flashcards
what are main minerals in hard water
calcium and magnesium
where does hard water get its minerals
as it passes through rocks and soil
Why does soft water have low mineral content
- Hasn’t passed through rock and soil yet
- Rocks/soil passed through have little soluble minerals
USGS CaCO3 guidelines
soft- 61
moderately hard - 61-120
hard - 121-180
very hard - more than 181
what per cent of homes in America have at least moderately hard water
75%
What is limescale
deposits of calcium carbonate
when hard water is heated or sits for too long and evaporates
why need to remove the limescale
dull/dry hair
irritate skin
grow bacteria
more heating costs, loss of energy
dirty clothes even after wash
low water pressure
how to remove limescale
- soften water, replaces Ca and Mg with Na or K
- Chemical inhibitors
- Carbon filters: helps soften water
- Softener tablets
is hard water injurious to health
-no
- increased hard water drinking, reduced cardiovascular disease due to protective effect of magnesium
- more calcium less blood pressure
who supplies water to north of city
Bearspaw plant, Bow River
who supplies water to south of city
Glenmore plant, Elbow River
where do bow river and elbow river go
South Saskatchewan River -> lake winnipeg -> Hudson’s Bay
source of Bow River water
20% : rain/groundwater/glacier melt
80%: snowmelt
where is most Bow River water used
irrigation - 76%
municipal water -18%
when is water least hard
spring snowmelt
