What good water should be. Key indicators of drinking water. What does good tap water mean? Drinking water indicators

What do we know about water? Not so much as it seems at first glance. Scientists say that in nature there are forty-eight types of water. And each of these species has a unique form and properties, due to the energy inherent only in this water type. In crystals of any type of water, the movement of molecules never stops. The same circulation continuously occurs in living organisms and plant stems. Water plays the role of a solvent in them, in which all the elementary processes of the organism's vital activity take place. In addition, it is itself a product of the metabolism that occurs in a living cell.

The higher the concentration of water in the composition of body fluids, the faster the substances of its cells receive, the recovery processes take place and the more actively they are replenished. energy reserves this organism. Simply put, water is the basis for the organization of life and the main participant in the leading biochemical transformations in the biological structure. As for the human body, it is in every part of it - muscles, cerebral cortex and even in tooth enamel. We constantly need drinking water, as dehydration disrupts the water-salt balance, and this is fraught with the development of extremely dangerous pathologies.

Mineral composition of drinking water very important. A person usually drinks water, in which there are from 0.02 to 2 grams of minerals per liter. The most important role in biological processes his body is played by those included in composition of drinking water iodine, calcium, fluorine, chlorine, selenium and many other substances. Their deficiency or excess can create serious health problems, and in some cases even provoke very rapidly spreading epidemics of serious diseases.

Distilled water is not suitable for drinking, as it does not contain the required amount of mineral elements and can disrupt substances. Excessively hard water is also not suitable for drinking - it negatively affects the digestive organs, and very soft - it creates a mineral imbalance in. In general, quality drinking water- this is artesian water or water from freshwater sources, purified from mechanical impurities and bacterial and chemical contaminants. At the same time, it should not contain impurities of chlorine or any other toxic substances.

The water that flows from the tap is disinfected with chlorine, so it always contains chlorine compounds in significant quantities. The use of tap water as drinking water, even if it is clear, is highly undesirable. quick harm it does not cause health damage, but, slowly undermining it, over time it can provoke a lot of quite significant and even fatal diseases. The organic substances contained in such water, when combined with chlorine, form carcinogens that promote the formation of cancer cells. The strongest poison, dioxin, is also obtained by boiling chlorinated water. Therefore, before using tap water as drinking water, it must be filtered.

The best option is to avoid negative phenomena as a result of drinking poor-quality water, will drink mineral or bottled water at room temperature. Properly calculated, its daily amount serves prophylactic from many diseases.

How much water to drink

How much water to drink per day, each of us can independently. On average, its daily volume is thirty to forty grams per kilogram of body. For example, if a person weighs sixty kilograms, then he should drink about two and a half liters of water a day, seventy kilograms - about three liters, and so on. In a word, in order to mineral metabolism in the body of an adult normal weight body and good health occurred in a balanced way, he needs to consume at least two liters of water per day.

It is advisable to drink it not only to quench your thirst, but also according to a certain system that allows you to supply the body with required amount minerals. An approximate scheme for such a water intake is as follows: after waking up in the morning, they drink about two glasses of water, in the afternoon - one glass half an hour before meals, and one glass two and a half hours after eating. During meals and immediately before breakfast, lunch or dinner, drinking water is not recommended, as it complicates the process of digesting food. It is better to drink some sour drinks at this time.

If there are any diseases, the daily amount of water is adjusted in accordance with the treatment of these diseases. Therefore, its volume should be determined after consulting a doctor.

Olga Kocheva
Women's magazine JustLady

Water is the element without which the emergence of life on Earth would not have been possible. The human body, like all living things, cannot exist without life-giving moisture, since not a single cell of the body will work without it. Therefore, assessing the quality of drinking water is an important task for any person who thinks about his health and longevity.

Why is water needed

Water for the body is the second most important component after air. It is present in all cells, organs and tissues of the body. It lubricates our joints, moisturizes eyeballs and mucous membranes, participates in thermoregulation, helps to absorb useful substances and removes unnecessary ones, helps the heart and blood vessels, increases the body's defenses, helps fight stress and fatigue, and controls metabolism.

In a day a common person should drink two to three liters of pure water. This is the minimum on which our well-being and health depends.

Living and working under air conditioning, dry and poorly ventilated rooms, an abundance of people around, eating low-quality food, coffee, tea, alcohol, physical exercise- all this leads to dehydration and requires additional water resources.

It is easy to guess that with such a value of water in life, it must have the appropriate properties. What drinking water quality standards exist in Russia today and what does our body really need? More on this later.

Clean water and human health

Of course, everyone knows that the water we use must be exceptionally pure. Polluted can cause such terrible diseases as:

Not so long ago, these diseases undermined the health and claimed the lives of entire villages. But today, the requirements for water quality make it possible to protect us from all pathogenic bacteria and viruses. But in addition to microorganisms, water can contain many elements of the periodic table, which, with regular consumption in large quantities can cause serious health problems.

Consider some chemical elements dangerous to humans

• Excess iron in water causes allergic reactions and kidney disease.
• High content of manganese - mutations.
• With an increased content of chlorides and sulfates, malfunctions are observed gastrointestinal tract.
• The excess content of magnesium and calcium gives the so-called hardness to the water and causes arthritis and the formation of stones in a person (in the kidneys, urinary and gall bladders).
• The content of fluorine above the limits of the norm leads to serious problems with teeth and mouth.
• Hydrogen sulfide, lead, arsenic - all these are poisonous compounds for all living things.
• Uranium in large doses is radioactive.
• Cadmium destroys zinc, which is important for the brain.
• Aluminum causes diseases of the liver and kidneys, anemia, problems with the nervous system, colitis.

Exists serious danger exceeding the norms of SanPiN. Drinking water, saturated with chemicals, with regular use (in long term) can cause chronic intoxication, which will lead to the development of the aforementioned diseases. Do not forget that a poorly purified liquid can be harmful not only when ingested, but also absorbed through the skin during water procedures(showering, bathing, swimming in the pool).

Thus, we understand that minerals, macro- and microelements, which in small quantities only benefit us, in excess can cause serious, and sometimes completely irreparable disturbances in the functioning of the whole organism.

Main indicators (norms) of drinking water quality

• Organoleptic - color, taste, smell, color, transparency.
• Toxicological - the presence of harmful chemical substances(phenols, arsenic, pesticides, aluminum, lead and others).
• Indicators that affect the properties of water - hardness, pH, the presence of petroleum products, iron, nitrates, manganese, potassium, sulfides, and so on.
• The amount of chemicals remaining after processing - chlorine, silver, chloroform.

Today, the requirements for water quality in Russia are very strict and are regulated by sanitary rules and regulations, abbreviated as SanPiN. Drinking water that flows from the tap, according to regulatory documents, should be so clean that you can use it without fear for your health. But unfortunately, it can be called really safe, crystal clear and even useful only at the stage of leaving the treatment plant. Further, passing through the old, often rusty and worn-out water supply networks, it is not saturated at all. beneficial microorganisms and even mineralized with hazardous chemicals (lead, mercury, iron, chromium, arsenic).

Where does industrial water come from?

• Reservoirs (lakes and rivers).
• Underground springs (artesian
• Rain and melt water.
• Desalinated salt water.
• Iceberg water.

Why does water get polluted

There are several sources of water pollution:

• Communal drains.
• Communal household waste.
• Drains of industrial enterprises.
• Plums of industrial waste.

Water: GOST (standards)

Requirements for tap water in Russia are regulated by SanPiN 2.1.1074-01 and GOST. Here are some of the main indicators.

State control of water quality

The drinking water quality control program includes regular sampling of tap water and a thorough check of all indicators. The number of inspections depends on the number of people served:

• Less than 10,000 people - twice a month.
• 10,000-20,000 people - ten times a month.
• 20,000-50,000 people - thirty times a month.
• 50,000-100,000 people - a hundred times a month.
• Then one additional check for every 5,000 people.

Well and well water

Very often people believe that springs are better than tap water and ideal for drinking. In fact, this is not at all the case. Sampling of water from such sources almost always shows that it is unsuitable for drinking even in boiled form due to the presence of harmful and contaminated suspensions, such as:

• Organic compounds - carbon, tetrachloride, acrylamide, vinyl chloride and other salts.
• Inorganic compounds - exceeding the norms of zinc, lead, nickel.
• Microbiological - coli, bacteria.
• Heavy metals.
• Pesticides.

To avoid health problems, water from any wells and wells must be checked at least twice a year. Most likely, after sampling, comparing the results obtained and drinking water quality standards, it will be necessary to install stationary filter systems and update them regularly. Because natural water is constantly changing and renewing, and the content of impurities in it will also change over time.

How to test the water yourself

Today there are a huge number of special devices for home check some indicators of water quality. But there are also the simplest and most affordable ways for everyone:

• Determination of the presence of salts and impurities. One drop of water should be applied to a clean glass and wait until it dries completely. If after that there are no streaks left on the glass, then the water can be considered perfectly clean.
• We determine the presence of bacteria / microorganisms / chemical compounds / organic substances. It is necessary to fill a three-liter jar with water, cover with a lid and leave in a dark place for 2-3 days. Green plaque on the walls will indicate the presence of microorganisms, the sediment at the bottom of the can - the presence of excess organic substances, the film on the surface - about harmful chemical compounds.
• The suitability of water for drinking will help determine the usual test with About 100 ml of a ready-made weak solution of potassium permanganate should be poured into a glass of water. The water should become lighter in color. If the shade has changed to yellow, it is categorically not recommended to take such water inside.

Of course, such home checks cannot replace detailed analyzes and do not confirm that water complies with GOST. But if it is temporarily not possible to verify the quality of moisture in a laboratory way, you need to resort to at least this option.

Where and how can I take water for analysis

Every person today can control the quality of drinking water independently. If you suspect that the tap water does not meet the requirements of regulatory documentation, you should take a water sample yourself. In addition, it is recommended to do this 2-3 times a year if a person uses water from a well, well or spring. Where to apply? This can be done at the district sanitary and epidemiological station (SES) or in a paid laboratory.

Water samples taken for analysis will be evaluated for toxicological, organoleptic, chemical and microbiological indicators in accordance with generally accepted standards. Based on the test results, a conventional laboratory issues a recommendation for the installation of additional filter systems.

Home filter systems

How to maintain the quality of drinking water according to the norms? What can be done to ensure that the life-giving moisture is always of the highest quality?

The only way out is to install stationary filter systems.

There are filters in the form of jugs, faucet nozzles and desktop boxes - all of these types are suitable only for initially good quality water from a faucet. More serious and powerful filters (under the sink, stationary, filling) are more often used to purify water in unfavorable areas, in country houses, and at catering establishments.

The best filters today are those with a special reverse osmosis system. Such a unit first purifies water from all impurities, bacteria, viruses, and then re-mineralizes it with the most useful minerals. The use of such beautiful water It is able to improve blood circulation and digestion, and it is also possible to significantly save on the purchase of bottled water.

What to do if there is no filter

We are all used to drinking from childhood. Of course, this allows you to get rid of dangerous microorganisms, but after boiling it can become even more harmful to health:

• Salts precipitate when boiled.
• The oxygen is gone.
• Chlorine forms toxic compounds when boiled.
• A day after boiling, the water becomes favorable environment for the growth of all kinds of bacteria.

Since no one can guarantee the safety of tap water, and there is no filter yet, it is still necessary to get rid of microorganisms without fail. Let's remember some rules of "useful" boiling:

• Before boiling water, let it stand for 2-3 hours. During this time it will evaporate most of chlorine.
• Switch off the kettle as soon as it boils. In this case, most of the trace elements will be preserved, and viruses and microbes will have time to die.
• Never keep boiled water longer than 24 hours.

Ordinary drinking water is becoming more expensive and less accessible every year. Even 10-15 years ago it was difficult to imagine that water would be sold in bottles and be in demand. Now this is the usual state of affairs. Bottled water, coolers, all kinds of filters. However, all these additional investments do not mean at all that a person will receive quality product. So, what kind of water can be considered drinking and what you need to know about ordinary tap water, bottled water, coolers and filters?

Drinking water is clean fresh water, which without harm to health can be used to quench thirst and cook food. In our country, there are many regulatory documents that determine the standards for the content in water various substances so that this water can be considered drinking water. These standards in Russia are quite strict, they apply to both tap water and bottled water, but they are far from being always observed for various reasons.

Tap water

Tap water, according to all criteria, must meet the quality of drinking water, and most often corresponds to it, but only at the outlet from water intake stations after treatment. Water gets there from reservoirs, rivers or lakes, and goes through several stages of purification before being sent to the final consumer. But the delivery of water to your tap may be associated with a deterioration in quality, since the water supply networks in our country are quite old. For this reason, immediately before sending water to the water supply system, it is treated with chlorine. This allows you to disinfect the water while passing through the water supply.

Chlorine kills pathogenic bacteria However, it can also adversely affect human health. Therefore, if you like to drink raw tap water, collect it in a container and let it at least stand for half an hour to several hours. Being a volatile substance, chlorine will come out of the water on its own.

According to recent polls, residents of large Russian cities believe that tap water meets all the requirements and use it raw directly from the tap. This was stated by more than half of the respondents. The quality of tap water is indeed strictly monitored, but for the reasons listed above, before drinking tap water, it is still better to boil it or pass it through a filter.

filtered water

Household water filters are able to solve several problems at once immediately before its use. Most often, this is the last barrier to tap water, although filters are often used to clean spring and well water. First of all, filters carry out mechanical cleaning, that is, they retain microparticles that may be contained in water. But this is far from the main advantage of filters.

Most water filters remove active chlorine and ions from the liquid. heavy metals, regulate the concentration of iron and make the water softer. Separate filters are “sharpened” for water purification from organic impurities, that is, they disinfect it. The latter are best suited for using water from wells and natural sources.

Despite the same principle of operation of all filters, when water is passed through a certain barrier, their design is different. The most commonly used filters are jugs and flow filters. The former purify water in small portions, which are poured into the upper part with a cleaning cassette, and as a rule have a shorter service life. Such cassettes are usually enough for 100-350 liters, and their cost varies from 250 to 700 rubles. The latter are placed on water pipes, which allows you not to think about the quality of water from an ordinary tap. Flow filters also need to be changed from time to time, and before installation it is recommended to find out the composition of your tap water in order to choose the most suitable filter option. Their prices start from 2500 rubles.

Water from natural sources

It would seem that natural water should be the most natural, clean and safe to drink, but, unfortunately, everything is somewhat different. When drinking spring water, you should be doubly careful. Firstly, before drinking spring water, it is necessary to carry out its full laboratory analysis for the content of chemicals. Secondly, it should be understood that even if the quality of such water has been confirmed in the laboratory, it can change at any time. This is especially true of springs that are located within the city and are prone to environmental contamination due to industrial production, which are located nearby, and other human activities.

You should be very careful when using water from natural sources in spring, when the snow begins to melt, and in autumn, when it rains frequently, because dirty melt and waste water can mix with spring water and greatly affect its quality in the worst side. And this threatens to get infectious diseases, poisoning, and with regular use of water that does not meet the requirements, it can lead to the appearance chronic diseases gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system.

bottled water

According to a study, 46% of residents of large Russian cities drink exclusively bottled water. Almost a third of them buy water daily or almost every day. It is easy to guess that this is a huge business that brings a lot of income, which means that there are always unscrupulous businessmen who want to make money on low-quality products. However, before talking about non-compliance with standards, one should understand what kind of water can generally be sold in bottles.

Bottled water can be roughly divided into three large groups: ordinary drinking water that has undergone additional purification, artificially mineralized water and natural mineral water. Most often, bottles contain ordinary drinking water, which can be obtained from artesian wells and natural sources, but is usually bottled from a central water supply. This means that for money in a bottled store they sell tap water, which, however, is additionally purified, artificially softened and sometimes disinfected. ultraviolet radiation or silver ions. Such water can be additionally carbonated.

Artificial mineralization is another process that allows you to imitate pure natural water. To do this, after purification, the water is enriched with minerals. This is usually indicated on the label with a detailed listing of micro and macro elements.

Natural mineral bottled water can only be obtained from springs and artesian wells. Such water varies greatly in composition depending on the location of the source. It can contain from one to eight grams of minerals per liter or even more. water with nai great content mineral salts is called medicinal and can be prescribed for use exclusively by a doctor, and it is sold only in pharmacies. And mineral table or medicinal table water can be bought in a regular store. But it also doesn't need to be abused. It is important to remember that the more salts are dissolved in water, the more carefully it should be used. Especially in the presence of chronic diseases.

It is easy to guess that mineral water is more often than other types faked by unscrupulous producers. This is due to its relative high cost. Therefore, you should carefully read the composition and place of production of water, buy it in trusted places and, if possible, find out about suppliers. Moreover, well-known and popular mineral waters (Borjomi, Essentuki, etc.) often have additional degrees of protection on bottles, which can be found on the manufacturer's website.

However, ordinary drinking water may also turn out to be a low-quality product: why is it easier to bottle tap water and look for sales markets, or in the same way to fake well-known brands of drinking water (“Aqua-Minerale”, “Bon Aqua”, “Holy Spring”, “ Shishkin forest ", etc.). AT this case it can also be advised to pay close attention to the packaging, read the information on the label and, if in doubt, check the documents about the suppliers.

water from the cooler

Standard cooler bottles typically hold up to 19 liters of water. In terms of quality, this is ordinary bottled water, with the only difference being that no manufacturer of mineral medicinal and table water, much less medicinal water will not sell their goods in such containers. Most often, bottles for coolers contain ordinary drinking water taken from the water supply and passed additional processing. Less commonly, artesian water is used for coolers.

Any schoolchild knows that life is impossible without water, but not every one of us thinks about the quality of the water he drinks. At the same time, it is necessary to understand very clearly that safe clean drinking water is one thing, and healthy water is quite another. Most often, ordinary tap water meets all safety requirements and quality standards, but it will not bring much benefit other than quenching thirst. Another thing is artificially mineralized or natural mineral water, which is saturated with micro and macro elements in optimal proportions. You can no longer get such water from the tap, but you need to buy it in a store, and human health largely depends on its quality.

Water is one of the most important elements for human life. The main environmental problems associated with the planet's hydrosphere are the conditions for providing the population with water, its quality and opportunities for improvement. Until recently, these problems were not so acute, due to the relative purity of natural sources of water supply and their sufficient quantity. But in last years the situation has changed dramatically. Significant concentration of the urban population, sharp increase industrial, agricultural, transport, energy and other anthropogenic emissions have led to a violation of water quality, the appearance of chemical, radioactive and biological agents in other than the natural environment. All this raises the problem of efficient water supply. quality water population in the first place among other problems.

The composition of natural waters is very diverse and is a complex, continuously changing system that contains mineral and organic substances in weighted, colloidal and true dissolved state.

Water quality indicators are divided into: physical(temperature, suspended matter content, color, smell, taste, etc.); chemical(hardness, alkalinity, active reaction, oxidizability, dry residue, etc.); biological and bacteriological(total number of bacteria, coli-index, etc.).

The quality of water for household and drinking needs is determined by a number of indicators (physical, chemical and sanitary-bacteriological), the maximum permissible values ​​of which are set by the relevant normative documents.

At the same time, the harmful effect of the maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) of impurities is well studied. chemical elements in water, but insufficient (or not studied at all) insufficient concentration of such impurities for the normal functioning of a living organism.

Thus, water mineralization (the amount of salts dissolved in water) is an ambiguous parameter. Studies conducted in recent years have shown an adverse effect on the human body of drinking water with a mineralization of more than 1500 mg/l and below 30-50 mg/l.

Useful and harmful properties water.

Physical indicators of water quality.

Water temperature surface sources depends on the temperature of the air, its humidity, the speed and nature of the movement of water and a number of other factors. It can vary over a very wide range according to the seasons of the year (from 0.1 to 30 * C). The water temperature of underground sources is more stable (8-12 * C).

The optimum water temperature for drinking purposes is 7-11*C.

For some industries, in particular for refrigeration and steam condensation systems, water temperature is of great importance.

Turbidity(transparency, content of suspended solids) characterizes the presence in the water of particles of sand, clay, silt particles, plankton, algae and other mechanical impurities that enter it as a result of erosion of the bottom and banks of the river, with rain and melt water, sewage etc. The turbidity of water from underground sources, as a rule, is small and is caused by a suspension of iron hydroxide. In surface waters, turbidity is more often due to the presence of phyto- and zooplankton, clay or silt particles, so the value depends on the time of the flood (low water) and changes throughout the year.

According to the normsSanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01 the turbidity of drinking water should not exceed 1.5 mg/l.

Many industries can use water with a much higher content of suspended solids than defined by GOST. At the same time, some chemical, food, electronic, medical and other industries require water of the same or even higher quality.

Water color(color intensity) is expressed in degrees on the platinum-cobalt scale. One degree of the scale corresponds to the color of 1 liter of water, colored by the addition of 1 mg of salt - cobalt chloroplatinate. The color of groundwater is caused by iron compounds, less often by humic substances (primer, peat bogs, frozen waters); chromaticity of surface - flowering of reservoirs.

According to the normsSanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01 for drinking water, the color of the water should not be higher than 20 degrees. (in special occasions no higher than 35 degrees)

Many industries have much more stringent requirements regarding the color of the water used.

Smells and tastes water is due to the presence of organic compounds in it. The intensity and nature of odors and flavors are determined organoleptically, i.e. using the senses on a five-point scale or on the "dilution threshold" of the test water with distilled water. At the same time, the multiplicity of dilution necessary for the disappearance of the smell or taste is established. Smell and taste are determined by direct tasting at room temperature, as well as at 60 "C, which causes their strengthening. According to GOST 2874-82, the taste and smell, determined at 20" C, should not exceed 2 points.

0 points - smell and taste are not detected
1 point - very slight smell or taste (detected only by an experienced researcher)
2 points - weak smell or taste, attracting the attention of a non-specialist
3 points - noticeable smell or taste, easily detected and causing complaints
4 points - a distinct smell or taste that can make you refrain from drinking water
5 points - the smell or taste is so strong that the water is completely unsuitable for drinking.

Taste It is caused by the presence of dissolved substances in water and can be salty, bitter, sweet and sour. Natural waters have, as a rule, only a brackish and bitter taste. The salty taste is caused by the content of sodium chloride, the bitter taste is caused by an excess of magnesium sulfate. Gives a sour taste to water a large number of dissolved carbon dioxide (mineral water). Water may also have an inky or ferrous taste caused by salts of iron and manganese or an astringent taste caused by calcium sulfate, potassium permanganate, an alkaline taste - caused by the content of potash, soda, alkali.

Taste may be natural origin(presence of iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, methane, etc.) and artificial origin (discharge of industrial effluents)

According to the normsSanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01 taste should be no more than 2 points.

Smells waters are determined by living and dead organisms, plant residues, specific substances secreted by some algae and microorganisms, as well as the presence of dissolved gases in the water - chlorine, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, mercaptans or organic and organochlorine contaminants. Distinguish natural (of natural origin) odors: aromatic, marsh, putrefactive, woody, earthy, moldy, fishy, ​​grassy, ​​indefinite and hydrogen sulfide, muddy, etc. Smells of artificial origin are called by the substances that determine them: chlorine, camphor, pharmacy, phenolic, chlorine -phenolic, tarry, oil smell and so on.

According to the normsSanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01 the smell of water should be no more than 2 points.

Chemical indicators of water quality.

The content of dissolved substances (dry residue). The total amount of substances (except gases) contained in water in a dissolved state is characterized by a dry residue obtained by evaporating the filtered water and drying the retained residue to constant weight. In water used for domestic and drinking purposes, the dry residue should not exceed 1000 mg / l in special cases - 1500 mg / l. The total salt content and dry residue characterize mineralization (content of dissolved salts in water).

BySanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01 for drinking water, the dry residue should be no more than 1000 mg / l

Active water reaction- the degree of its acidity or alkalinity - is determined by the concentration of hydrogen ions. Usually expressed in terms of pH- Hydrogen and hydroxyl index. The concentration of hydrogen ions determines the acidity. The concentration of hydroxyl ions determines the alkalinity of the liquid. At pH = 7.0 - the reaction of water is neutral, at pH<7,0 - среда кислая, при рН>7.0 - alkaline environment.

According to the normsSanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01 drinking water pH should be within 6.0...9.0

For the waters of most natural sources, the pH value does not deviate from the specified limits. However, after treatment of water with reagents, the pH value can change significantly. For a correct assessment of water quality and the choice of purification method, it is necessary to know the pH value of the source water in different periods of the year. At low values its corrosive effect on steel and concrete increases greatly.

Very often the term is used to describe the quality of water - rigidity. Perhaps the biggest discrepancy between Russian standards and the EU Council directive on water quality relates to hardness: 7 mg-eq/l for us and 1 mg-eq/l for them. Hardness is the most common water quality problem.

Rigidity water is determined by the content of hardness salts (calcium and magnesium) in water. It is expressed in milligram equivalents per liter (mg-eq/l). Distinguish carbonate ( temporary) stiffness, non-carbonate ( constant) hardness and overall hardness water.

Carbonate hardness (disposable), is determined by the presence of bicarbonate salts of calcium and magnesium in the will - it is characterized by the content of calcium bicarbonate in water, which decomposes into practically insoluble carbonate and carbon dioxide when the water is heated or boiled. Therefore, it is also called temporary rigidity.

Non-carbonate or constant hardness - the content of non-carbonate calcium and magnesium salts - sulfates, chlorides, nitrates. When water is heated or boiled, they remain in solution.

General hardness - is defined as the total content of calcium and magnesium salts in water, expressed as the sum of carbonate and non-carbonate hardness.

When assessing water hardness, water is usually characterized as follows:

Water surface sources, as a rule, is relatively soft (3 ... 6 mg-eq / l) and depends on the geographical location - the further south, the higher the water hardness. The hardness of groundwater depends on the depth and location of the aquifer and annual precipitation. The hardness of water from limestone layers is usually 6 meq/l and higher.

According to the normsSanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01 the hardness of drinking water should be no higher than 7 (10) mg-eq / l, (or no more than 350 mg/l).

Hard water simply tastes bad, it has too much calcium in it. Constant ingestion of water with increased hardness leads to a decrease in gastric motility, to the accumulation of salts in the body, and, ultimately, to joint disease (arthritis, polyarthritis) and the formation of stones in the kidneys and bile ducts.

Although very soft water is no less dangerous than excessively hard water. The most active is soft water. Soft water can leach calcium out of bones. A person can develop rickets if you drink such water from childhood, an adult becomes brittle bones. There is another negative property of soft water. She, passing through the digestive tract, not only washes minerals, but also useful organic substances, including beneficial bacteria. Water should have a hardness of at least 1.5-2 mg-eq / l.

The use of water with high hardness for household purposes is also undesirable. Hard water forms a plaque on plumbing fixtures and fittings, forms scale deposits in water heating systems and appliances. In the first approximation, this is noticeable on the walls, for example, of a teapot.

With domestic use of hard water, consumption increases significantly detergents and soap due to the formation of a precipitate of calcium and magnesium salts fatty acids, slows down the cooking process (meat, vegetables, etc.), which is undesirable in the food industry. In many cases, the use of hard water for industrial purposes (for supplying steam boilers, in the textile and paper industry, in artificial fiber enterprises, etc.) is not allowed, as this is associated with a number of undesirable consequences.

In water supply systems - hard water leads to rapid wear of water heating equipment (boilers, central water supply batteries, etc.). Hardness salts (Ca and Mg bicarbonates), deposited on inner walls pipes, and forming scale deposits in water heating and cooling systems, lead to an underestimation of the flow area, reduce heat transfer. It is not allowed to use water with high carbonate hardness in circulating water supply systems.

Alkalinity of water. Under the total alkalinity of water is meant the sum of the hydrates and anions of weak acids contained in it (carbonic, silicic, phosphoric, etc.). In the vast majority of cases, for groundwater, this refers to hydrocarbonate alkalinity, that is, the content of hydrocarbonates in water. There are bicarbonate, carbonate and hydrate alkalinity. Determination of alkalinity (mg-eq/l) is necessary for monitoring the quality of drinking water, useful for determining water as suitable for irrigation, for calculating the content of carbonates, for subsequent wastewater treatment.

MPC for alkalinity is 0.5 - 6.5 mmol / dm3

chlorides present in almost all waters. Basically, their presence in water is associated with leaching from rocks of the most common salt on Earth - sodium chloride ( table salt). Sodium chlorides are found in significant quantities in the water of the seas, as well as some lakes and underground sources.

MPC of chlorides in water drinking quality- 300...350 mg/l (depending on the standard).

The increased content of chlorides in combination with the presence of ammonia, nitrites and nitrates in the water may indicate contamination by domestic wastewater.

sulfates get into groundwater mainly by dissolving gypsum in the layers. The increased content of sulfates in water leads to an upset of the gastrointestinal tract (the trivial names of magnesium sulfate and sodium sulfate (salts with a laxative effect) - " Epsom salt" and " Glauber's salt" respectively).

Maximum concentration limit for sulfates in drinking water is 500 mg/l.

The content of silicic acids. Silicic acids are found in water from both underground and surface sources in different form(from colloid to ion disperse). Silicon is characterized by low solubility and, as a rule, there is not much of it in water. Silicon also enters water with industrial effluents from enterprises producing ceramics, cement, glass products, and silicate paints.

MPC silicon - 10 mg / l.

Phosphates are usually present in water in small amounts, so their presence indicates the possibility of contamination by industrial or agricultural runoff. The increased content of phosphates has a strong influence on the development of blue-green algae, which release toxins into the water when they die.

MPC in drinking water of phosphorus compounds is 3.5 mg/l.

Fluorides and iodides. Fluorides and iodides are somewhat similar. Both elements, with a deficiency or excess in the body, lead to serious diseases. For iodine, this is a disease thyroid gland("goiter") arising from daily diet less than 0.003 mg or more than 0.01 mg. To compensate for iodine deficiency in the body, it is possible to use iodized salt, but best way out is the inclusion of fish and seafood in the diet. Seaweed is especially rich in iodine.

Fluorides are part of minerals - fluorine salts. Both deficiency and excess of fluoride can lead to serious diseases. Fluorine content in drinking water should be maintained within 0.7 - 1.5 mg / l (depending on climatic conditions)

The waters of surface sources are characterized predominantly low content fluorine (0.3-0.4 mg/l). High levels of fluorine in surface waters are a consequence of the discharge of industrial fluorine-containing wastewater or the contact of water with soils rich in fluorine compounds. The maximum concentrations of fluorine (5-27 mg/l and more) are determined in artesian and mineral waters in contact with fluorine-containing water-bearing rocks.

At hygiene assessment the intake of fluorine in the body, the content of the microelement in the daily diet, and not in individual food products, is important. The daily diet contains from 0.54 to 1.6 mg of fluorine (0.81 mg on average). As a rule, with food products 4-6 times less fluorine enters the human body than when drinking water containing its optimal amounts (1 mg/l).

The increased content of fluorine in water (more than 1.5 mg / l) has a harmful effect on people and animals, the population develops endemic fluorosis ("spotted tooth enamel"), rickets and anemia. noted characteristic lesion teeth, violation of the processes of ossification of the skeleton, exhaustion of the body. Fluorine content in drinking water is limited. It has been established that the systematic use of fluoridated water by the population also reduces the level of diseases associated with the consequences of odontogenic infection (rheumatism, cardiovascular pathology, kidney disease, etc.). The lack of fluorine in water (less than 0.5 mg/l) leads to caries. With a low fluoride content in drinking water, it is recommended to use toothpaste with the addition of fluoride. Fluorine is one of the few elements that are better absorbed by the body from water. Optimal dose fluorine in drinking water is 0.7...1.2 mg/l.

The MPC for fluorine is 1.5 mg/l.

Oxidability due to the content of organic substances in the water and can partly serve as an indicator of contamination of the source with sewage. There are permanganate oxidizability and dichromate oxidizability (or COD - chemical oxygen demand). Permanganate oxidability characterizes the content of easily oxidizable organics, bichromate - the total content of organic substances in water. By the quantitative value of the indicators and their ratio, one can indirectly judge the nature of the organic substances present in the water, the path and effectiveness of the purification technology.

According to the norms of SanPiN, the permanganate oxidizability of water should not exceed 5.0mg O2/l and maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 2 mg-eq/l.

If less than 5 mg-eq / l, the water is considered clean, more than 5 - dirty.

Truly dissolved form (ferrous iron, clear colorless water);
- Undissolved (ferric iron, clear water with a brownish-brown precipitate or pronounced flakes);
- Colloidal state or finely dispersed suspension (colored yellowish-brown opalescent water, the precipitate does not fall out even with prolonged settling);
- Organic iron - salts of iron and humic and fulvic acids (clear yellowish-brown water);
- Iron bacteria ( brown slime on water pipes)

The surface waters of central Russia contain from 0.1 to 1 mg / dm3 of iron, groundwater iron content often exceeds 15-20 mg/dm3.

Significant amounts of iron enter water bodies with wastewater from enterprises of the metallurgical, metalworking, textile, paint and varnish industries and with agricultural effluents. Iron analysis for wastewater is very important. The concentration of iron in water depends on the pH and oxygen content of the water. Iron in the water of wells and boreholes can be found both in oxidized and reduced form, but when the water settles, it always oxidizes and can precipitate. A lot of iron is dissolved in acidic anoxic groundwater.

According to the normsSanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01 total iron content is allowed no more than 0.3 mg/l.

Long term use water man with high content iron can lead to liver disease (hemosideritis), increases the risk of heart attacks, negatively affects reproductive function organism. Such water is unpleasant in taste, causes inconvenience in everyday life.

In many industrial plants where water is used to wash the product during its manufacture, in particular in the textile industry, even a low iron content in water leads to product defects.

Manganese found in similar modifications. Manganese activates a number of enzymes, participates in the processes of respiration, photosynthesis, affects hematopoiesis and mineral metabolism. The lack of manganese in the soil causes necrosis, chlorosis, spotting in plants. With a lack of this element in feed, animals lag behind in growth and development, their mineral metabolism is disturbed, and anemia develops. On soils poor in manganese (carbonate and over-limed), manganese fertilizers are used.

Both a deficiency and an excess of manganese are dangerous for a person.

According to the normsSanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01 manganese content is allowed no more than 0.1 mg/l.

An excess of manganese causes coloring and astringent taste, a disease of the skeletal system.

The presence of iron and manganese in water can contribute to the development of ferruginous and manganese bacteria in pipes and heat exchangers, the waste products of which cause a decrease in the cross section, and sometimes their complete blockage. The content of iron and manganese is strictly limited in water used in the production of plastics, textile, food industry, etc.

High levels of both elements in water cause streaks on plumbing fixtures, stain laundry when washed, and give the water a ferrous or inky taste. Long-term use of such water for drinking causes the deposition of these elements in the liver and significantly overtakes alcoholism in terms of harmfulness.

MPC for iron - 0.3 mg/l, manganese - 0.1 mg/l.

Sodium and potassium get into groundwater due to the dissolution of bedrock. The main source of sodium in natural waters are deposits of common salt NaCl, formed on the site of ancient seas. Potassium is less common in waters, as it is better absorbed by the soil and extracted by plants.

Biological role sodium essential for most life forms on Earth, including humans. The human body contains about 100 g of sodium. Sodium ions activate enzymatic metabolism in the human body.

MPC sodium is 200 mg/l. Excess sodium in water and food leads to hypertension and hypertension.

Distinctive feature potassium - its ability to cause increased excretion of water from the body. That's why food rations with a high content of the element facilitate the functioning cardiovascular systems s with its insufficiency, cause the disappearance or a significant decrease in edema. Potassium deficiency in the body leads to dysfunction of the neuromuscular (paresis and paralysis) and cardiovascular systems and is manifested by depression, incoordination of movements, muscle hypotension, hyporeflexia, convulsions, arterial hypotension, bradycardia, ECG changes, nephritis, enteritis, etc.

MPC for potassium is 20 mg/l

Copper, zinc, cadmium, lead, arsenic, nickel, chromium and mercury predominantly fall into water supply sources with industrial wastewater. Copper and zinc can also get in during corrosion of galvanized and copper water pipes, respectively, due to the high content of corrosive carbon dioxide.

MPC in drinking water according to SanPiN copper is 1.0 mg/l; zinc - 5.0 mg/l; cadmium - 0.001 mg/l; lead - 0.03 mg/l; arsenic - 0.05 mg/l; nickel - is 0.1 mg/l (in EU countries - 0.05 mg/l), chromium Cr3+ - 0.5 mg/l, chromium Cr4+ - 0.05 mg/l; mercury - 0.0005 mg/l.

All of the above compounds are heavy metals and have a cumulative effect, that is, the ability to accumulate in the body and work when a certain concentration in the body is exceeded.

Cadmium is a highly toxic metal. Excessive intake of cadmium in the body can lead to anemia, liver damage, cardiopathy, pulmonary emphysema, osteoporosis, skeletal deformities, and the development of hypertension. The most important in cadmium is kidney damage, which is expressed in dysfunction of the renal tubules and glomeruli with a slowdown in tubular reabsorption, proteinuria, glucosuria, followed by aminoaciduria, phosphaturia. An excess of cadmium causes and intensifies the deficiency of Zn and Se. Exposure over a long period of time can cause damage to the kidneys and lungs, weakening of the bones.

Symptoms of cadmium poisoning: protein in the urine, damage to the central nervous system, acute bone pain, dysfunction of the genital organs. Cadmium affects blood pressure, can cause the formation of kidney stones (it accumulates especially intensively in the kidneys). Everyone is a danger chemical forms cadmium

Aluminum- light silver-white metal. It enters the water primarily in the process of water treatment - as part of coagulants and when discharging wastewater from bauxite processing.

MPC in the water of aluminum salts is - 0.5 mg / l

Excess aluminum in water leads to damage to the central nervous system.

Bor and selenium are present in some natural waters as trace elements in very small concentrations, however, if they are exceeded, serious poisoning is possible.

Oxygen is in water in dissolved form. There is no dissolved oxygen in groundwater, the content in surface water corresponds to partial pressure, depends on water temperature and the intensity of processes that enrich or deplete water with oxygen and can reach 14 mg/l

The content of oxygen and carbon dioxide, even in significant quantities, does not impair the quality of drinking water, but contributes to metal corrosion. The corrosion process intensifies with an increase in the temperature of the water, as well as when it moves. With a significant content of aggressive carbon dioxide in the water, the walls of concrete pipes and tanks are also subject to corrosion. In the feed water of steam boilers of medium and high pressure the presence of oxygen is not allowed. The content of hydrogen sulfide gives water bad smell and, in addition, causes corrosion of the metal walls of pipes, tanks and boilers. In this regard, the presence of H2S not allowed in water used for household and drinking and for most industrial needs.

Substances contained in water and their properties that degrade the quality of drinking water and adversely affect the human body.

Nitrogen compounds. Nitrogen-containing substances (nitrates NO3-, nitrites NO2- and ammonium salts NH4+) are almost always present in all waters, including groundwater, and indicate the presence of organic matter of animal origin in the water. They are decay products of organic impurities, formed in water mainly as a result of the decomposition of urea and proteins entering it with domestic wastewater. The considered group of ions is in close relationship.

The first decay product is ammonia(ammonium nitrogen) - is an indicator of fresh faecal contamination and is a breakdown product of proteins. AT natural water ammonium ions are oxidized by the bacteria Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter to nitrites and nitrates. Nitrites are the best indicator fresh fecal water pollution, especially with a simultaneous high content of ammonia and nitrites. Nitrates serve as an indicator of older organic faecal contamination of water. The content of nitrates together with ammonia and nitrates is unacceptable.

By the presence, quantity and ratio of nitrogen-containing compounds in water, one can judge the degree and duration of water contamination with human waste products.

The absence of ammonia in water and at the same time the presence of nitrites and especially nitrates, i.e. connections nitric acid, indicate that the pollution of the reservoir occurred a long time ago, and the water underwent self-purification. The presence of ammonia in the water and the absence of nitrates indicate recent contamination of the water with organic matter. Therefore, drinking water should not contain ammonia, and nitric acid compounds (nitrites) are not allowed.

According to the norms of SanPiN, the MPC in water for ammonium is 2.0 mg/l; nitrites - 3.0 mg/l; nitrates - 45.0 mg/l.

The presence of ammonium ion in concentrations exceeding the background values ​​indicates fresh pollution and the proximity of the source of pollution (communal treatment facilities, industrial waste septic tanks, livestock farms, accumulations of manure, nitrogen fertilizers, settlements, etc.).

The use of water with a high content of nitrites and nitrates leads to a violation of the oxidative function of the blood.

WHAT WATER TO DRINK FOR HEALTH

Every day our body needs correct water . Instead, we usually consume a variety of "substitutes" such as tea, coffee, sodas and soft drinks, packaged juices, pasteurized beer, and others. Instead of saturating our body with water, these drinks lead to dehydration.

Fereydun Batmanghelidj, MD, stated: “Chronic dehydration at the cellular level is main reason development of degenerative diseases. (see the book by F. Batmanghelidzh “Your body asks for more water” - download for review)

In order for water to be absorbed and enter the cell, it must be correct- that is, water must have certain characteristics. The water we drink should be physiologically complete. This drinking water contains optimal amount macro- and microelements and has a beneficial physiological effect on the human body. Only such water provides the necessary water-salt balance and acid-base balance.

What kind of water do we need?

According to the World Health Organization, drinking water must meet 120 parameters. Let's consider the most important of them.

To meet the necessary needs of the human body, the following requirements are imposed on water:

1. Water must be clean. Drinking water should not contain chlorine and its organic compounds, salts of heavy metals, nitrates, nitrites, pesticides, bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa.

Taste characteristics of water

The taste and smell of water depends on chemical composition, which determines the substances contained in the water of natural sources or added during processing.

Water quality is also affected by chlorination and other methods of water disinfection. Purified drinking water (tap, bottled) is not always physiologically complete.

2. Structure. We need water with the right structure, carrying information about health and longevity.

All fluid in the body is structured. Only in this state is it able to penetrate the cell.

Masaru Emoto conducted a unique experiment, proving that water has a memory. (See the film "The Secret of Living Water").

The structure of water after various information impact

3. Mineralization. Water carries dissolved particles of various minerals and trace elements. Minerals are the keys. Working inside and outside the cells, they open the doors to health and longevity.

A certain amount of macro- and microelements is necessary for the normal state of the whole organism. The water that people use must contain a certain amount of minerals, the level of which should not exceed the permissible values. Mineral water with high concentration salts with constant use can lead to kidney stone disease. At the same time, water with a complete absence of macro and microelements (distilled) can harm our health - water with insufficient mineralization leaches minerals and microelements from the body.

The water that the cage needs should be low-mineralized.

4. Surface tension (ST) is the permeability and solubility of water. The water you drink from the tap or bottled has a surface tension of up to 73 dynes/cm and is very different from the water that surrounds the tissues and cells of your body.

Water should be sufficiently “liquid”, easily digestible, have a PV comparable to that of the intracellular and intercellular fluid (43 dynes/cm). This facilitates the transport of nutrients into the cells and promotes the elimination of toxins from the body. Only water with a low surface tension (43 dynes/cm) has the ability to penetrate the cell, bring all the nutrients and remove all waste from it.

5. pH - an indicator of acid-base balance, indicates the energy of hydrogen and the level of its activity in liquid media. Nowadays, many people are in an acidic state (pH less than 7.0) due to malnutrition, stress and pollution. environment. The main fluids and foods we consume are acidic. For example, sugar, premium flour, carbon dioxide (carbonated drinks) have pH=3.

It's believed that acidic environment is one of the main causes of cell destruction and tissue damage, the development of diseases and aging processes, the growth of pathogens. In an acidic environment, building material does not reach the cells, the membrane is destroyed.

Interesting to know: The German biochemist OTTO WARBURG, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1931, proved that the lack of oxygen (an acidic pH<7.0) в тканях приводит к изменению нормальных клеток в злокачественные.

The scientist found that cancer cells lose their ability to develop in an environment saturated with free oxygen with a pH value of 7.5 and higher! This means that when the fluids in the body become acidic, the development of cancer is stimulated.

His followers in the 60s of the last century proved that any pathogenic flora loses its ability to multiply at pH = 7.5 and above, and our immune system can easily cope with any aggressors!

Therefore, to preserve and maintain health, we need alkaline water (pH=7.5 and above). This will help to better maintain the acid-base balance of body fluids, since the main living environments have a slightly alkaline reaction (blood pH is 7.43, when it drops to 7.1, death occurs).

Already in a neutral biological environment, the body can have an amazing ability to heal itself.

Read more about acid-base balance here:.

6. Redox potential (ORP). The main processes that ensure the vital activity of any organism are redox reactions, i.e. reactions involving the transfer or addition of electrons.

Its positive values ​​mean the course of the oxidation process and the absence of electrons. Negative ORP values ​​indicate the occurrence of the reduction process and the presence of electrons. Therefore, positively charged water is dead water, which takes energy from us to restore. Negatively charged water is alive and gives us energy! ORP of the internal environment of the body is negative.

Indicators of measurements of the parameters of some liquids:

Fresh melt water: ORP = +95, pH = 7.0
tap water: ORP = +160 (usually worse, up to +600), pH = 4.0
Water infused with shungite: ORP = +250, pH = 6.0
Mineral water: ORP= +250, pH= 4.6
Boiled water: ORP = +218, pH=4.5
Boiled water, after 3 hours: ORP = +465, pH= 3.7
Green tea: ORP = +55, pH= 4.5
Black tea: ORP = +83, pH = 3.5 Coffee: ORP = +70, pH = 5.0
Coca Cola: ORP=+320, pH= 2.7
Water Coral Mine: ORP= -150/-200, pH= 7.5/8.3
microhydrin,H-500 : ORP=-200/-300, pH= 7.5/8.5
Iceberg / +150 / 7.0
Aqualine / +170 / 6.0
Arkhyz / +60 / 6.5
"Benefit" / +165 / 5.5
"Glacial melt water" Pre-Elbrus Reserve / +130 / 5.5
Uva Pearl / +119 / 7.3
Suzdal water "silver falcon" / +144 / 6.5
«Selters» Germany / +200 / 7.0
SPA Belgium / +138 / 5.0
Alpica (in glass) / +125 / 5.5
"Alpica" (in plastic) / +150 / 5.5
Essentuki-Aqua / +112 / 6.0
"Shudag" premium / +160 / 5.5
"Springs of the Caucasus" Essentuki 17 / +120 / 7.5
Svetloyar / +96 / 6.0
"Demidov plus" / +60 / 5.5
Aquanic "Source of Victory" / +80 / 6.0
"Kalipsik" Kazakhstan / +136 / 5.5
"evian" water of the Alps. France / +85
Aparan / +115 / 6.8
Quata / +130 / 6.0
Volzhanka / +125 / 6.0