Water
is generally classified into two groups: Surface
Water and Ground Water. Surface water is just
what the name implies; it is water found in a
river, lake or other surface impoundment. This
water is usually not very high in mineral content,
and many times is called "soft water" even though
it usually is not. Surface water is exposed to
many different contaminants, such as animal wastes,
pesticides, insecticides, industrial wastes, algae
and many other organic materials. Even surface
water found in a pristine mountain stream possibly
contains Giardia or Coliform Bacteria from the
feces of wild animals, and should be boiled or
disinfected by some means prior to drinking.
Ground Water
is that which is trapped beneath the ground. Rain
that soaks into the ground, rivers that disappear
beneath the earth, melting snow are but a few
of the sources that recharge the supply of underground
water. Because of the many sources of recharge,
ground water may contain any or all of the contaminants
found in surface water as well as the dissolved
minerals it picks up during it's long stay underground.
Waters that contains dissolved minerals, such
as calcium and magnesium above certain levels
are considered "hard water" Because water is considered
a "solvent", ie, over time it can break down the
ionic bonds that hold most substances together,
it tends to dissolve and 'gather up' small amounts
of whatever it comes in contact with. For instance,
in areas of the world where rock such as limestone,
gypsum, fluorspar, magnetite, pyrite and magnesite
are common, well water is usually very high in
calcium content, and therefore considered "hard".
Due to the
different characteristics of these two types of
water, it is important that you know the source
of your water -- Surface or Ground. Of the 326
million cubic miles of water on earth, only about
3% of it is fresh water; and 3/4 of that is frozen.
Only 1/2 of 1% of all water is underground; about
1/50th of 1% of all water is found in lakes and
streams. The average human is about 70% water.
You can only survive 5 or less days without water. |
