Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1913-05-13
Water Pollution,

The principal use Of water at the
present day by humanity is for drinking
purposes. The problem of obtaining
pure drinking water Is very important,
especially at this season of the year as
contamination of drinking water may
come from various sources. The sources
of water supply for drinking purposes
are numerous and quite dependent upon
the class of people who are using the
water. Pure water Is seldom found in
nature. The nearest TO pure water that
We have naturally is rain water, but
even this may be contaminated by dust
and dirt In the air. The purest water in
nature is really that which falls after a
prolonged rain. II sample Of water Is
taken before it has been allowed to come
in contact with the soil, We would find
the water nearly sterile.
There are many different sources OF
drinking water such as rivers, lakes,
ponds, springs, and both artesian and
deep wells; these sources may be con-
taminatsd in various ways. Not even
the farmer is free from contaminated
drinking water. The contamination
may be due to many different causes,
principally due to sewage and drainage
of soil water. The extent OF this con-
tamination depends largely upon the
source of the water-whetber 1t be run
ming water, standing water, springs,
wells, or rain water; the method used in
the care of the water; exposure to con-
ramination; and the use made OF 1t.
All of these sources may be readily
couta minated by various means, which
makes the water unfit for use. The
principal source of drinking water in
many of our large cities the present day
is the river. River water may be used
IL properly filtered and correct methods
of storage used. However, river water
is very easily contaminated by sewage
and by washing the surface OF the SOIL
Many diseases-sucha as typhoid, cholera,
ETC., may be carried by river water, es.
pecially when il has been contaminated
by sewage. River water may be purified
by filtration, generally through means OF
sand which removes the impurities in
the water.
The active principles in the destruc-
ton of bacteria found in water are sedi-
mentatiou, the action of other micro-or-
ganisms, the right temperature, and
food supply. Lakes and ponds are gen.
orally free from Contamination, due to
the fact that the water Is quiet and al
lows sedimentation TO take place. Where
the source Of water supply OF towns and
cities is a lake or pond (under proper
precaution) the water is quite pure and
very healthy for domestic use. Rivers
and ponds are becoming more and more
the source of drinking water.
Springs are generally supposed to De
one of the purest sources of water sup
ply, but they may become one OF the
worst. Clear spring water has often
been found to be highly contaminated
and dangerous for use. Especially Is
this true where spring lies on the
slope of hill where it may get the wash
from above. Water Is not always puri-
fed, In fact is seldom purified, from
flowing through the soil as it gathers
large number of organisms by its pas
sage. Springs which are being used as
source OF drinking water, should be en-
closed so that small animals and children
cannot get TO them.
The common source of drinking water
in the country is wells, and this source is
one which is easily contaminated. In
fact, the water obtained from country
wells Is seldom pure. The wells are ire
quently contaminated by the waste from
the stable, closet, or sink-spout. OFTEN
they have a loose board covering which
allows the waste water to run back into
the well taking along with il all the hlth
around the top. Wells, to become a
safe source of drinking water, should be
situated away from buildings and on
slope which would allow the water to
run away from the well, instead OF tow.
ard it. The kind of soil about the we'll
plays quite an important factor In the
contamination Of the water. Sandy soil
allows the water TO work through from
eighboring strata and very easily con-
teammates any well which is made in
this kind of soil. Clay soil, on the other
hand, is very nearly impervious to the
passage of water.
The sides of the we'll should be made
solid so that the water around 1t will not
work iu. The top should be made tight.
IL is a good plan to line the we'll witb
cement or some other substance which
will allow no cracks for the outside
water to leak through. The waste
water from the pump should be con-
Quoted by a trough away from the well.
Where there is any suspicion OF the
unsauitary condition Of the drinking
water, action should be taken immedi-
ately TO find out where the trouble lies
and how it can be remedied. Water
may be boiled to purify it if there is any
suspicion of disease germs. Many cpl
denies are spread through the water
supply, and proper observance of the
precautions necessary to obtain pure
drinking water will do much to check
4ha rauauas- w Smith.