The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1901-04-12

ct Rid of Them.
Water is always the same no matter
from what source it comes; but it is
made to appear different on account Of
certain substances which are dissolved
in it. Carbonic acid gas, oxygen, and
air are dissolved in all ordinary water;
and besides these, particles Of dust.
and living. but harmless, germs are
afiOat on it. The dissolved air gives it
slight taste.
Water containing lime is called hard;
while that with little or no lime Is
said to be soft. 1t contains also, other
mineral matter, especially soda and
potash. Minerals and gases do not
render water impure, but rather give
it a more pleasant taste
When mineral matter is present in
large quantities. it is called mineral
water. Springs containing salt, lime,
soda, potash, and sulphur are found in
various parts of the country and are
noted for their great healing propel-
ties, some containing as much as one
or two ounces of mineral substance to
every gallon of water. The greater
part Of the table salt in common use is
obtained from these springs
Water containing substances which
are injurious to health is impure and
should be avoided. That which stands
in pipes for any length Of time should
be allowed to flow for several minutes
before using, so as to wash away any
substance which may have been dis
solved from the iron or lead, as the
case may be. The water in a well is
Just as likely to become polluted as a
muddy or stagnant stream, and the
danger is much greater because 1t re
mains clear and pleasant to the taste
The most common dangerous sub
stances found in water are decaying
matter and germs of disease. The de
caying matter is itself poisonous, but
its greater danger lies in the fact that Il
furnishes the food upon which the dis
ease germs live. These germs are
ready to grow when taken into tbs
body. Typhoid fever is almost always
transmitted in this way. Germs vii
starve in absolutely pure water. bu
the presence of a very slight amour
l of decaying matter induces them t.
grow readily. Water which is colored
OF has an odor, or a taste, IS almos
sure to contain decaying matter; blu
that which is clear and sparkling /
r not always free from disease germs
q Stops and refuse emptied on tn
ground near a house are likely to fin
o their way to the well, and if the waite
T. contains the proper substances, germ
i will grow and produce disease. II
+ however. the ground is not soake
e through with such refuse matter, tn
+ decayed animal and vegetable matte
t will become oxidized and only the mil
T eral parts reach the bottom Of the wei
2, Filtration is the process Of passin
e water through a powdered substanc
= so as to screen out all impuritie
Pure sand is the best filterer, and ella
e the poorest. Another way in whic
e water is purified is by the action {
l. the air and sun upon running waite
It Sewerage from large towns and elite
d is conducted into rivers. and the actic
/ of the sun and the agitation of IL
E. waters by reasons ofthe wind and 9TH
il agencies. cause the waste matter an
i germs to become oxidized.
r Impure water should not be used f
b. washing purposes, as the germs ms
< remain on the things washed. I
n nhoid fever has heen known to snres
$. by milk cans being washed in impu
in water. The use of ice formed Of SUE
10 water should also be avoided. as it
D. just as apt to contain the germs Of di
ne eases as the water itself. One Of L
u best safeguards against the DANCE
of disease is to boil all water used
70 drinking purposes.