The pH of Drinking Water: Defining the Normal Range Groundwater is a vital resource necessary for all aspects of human and ecosystem survival. Consequently, the quality of drinking water is one of the greatest factors affecting human health and is...
The recent health advisory in Devon due to a waterborne outbreak highlights the importance of access to safe drinking water. With the detection of Cryptosporidium, a parasite causing diarrheal symptoms, residents have been advised to boil water as a precautionary...
It is not only our feet which leave a footprint on sandy beaches, but our heavy reliance on plastic materials is also creating a visible yet pervasive “plastic footprint” in the environment. Reducing plastic water bottle pollution and eliminating the...
The evaporation test is another way to see what your tap water may leave behind. Place a small amount of water on a clean glass dish or surface and allow it to air dry naturally. After the water evaporates, check...
You can also test your tap water using a little dish soap. Fill a bottle with water, add a few drops of soap, close it, and shake well. If the water becomes full of fluffy bubbles and stays relatively clear,...
Another simple at-home method is the boiling test. Pour some tap water into a pot and let it boil until most of it has evaporated. Once the water is gone, check the bottom of the pot. If you notice a...
A simple way to check the quality of your tap water is by making ice cubes. Fill a tray with water, freeze it, and observe the results. Clear, transparent ice usually indicates cleaner water with fewer dissolved solids. On the...
Every meal you prepare depends on water, whether it’s the pot of rice on your stove, the noodles in your soup, or the vegetables you steam for dinner. Ideally, water should be a neutral base that allows the natural flavours...
Chlorine is widely used as a disinfectant in municipal water systems—a vital safeguard against harmful microbes. Yet while it keeps water safe, it often imparts an unmistakable chemical taste and odor, sometimes described as "swimming pool–like." Even at very low...
