Color of Drinking Water
The Shade of Consumable Liquids
What color does water present? Commonly, we equate water with a blue shade. Artists frequently illustrate bodies of water with a blue or aqua tint in their paintings. In truth, water reflects a bluish-green spectrum, particularly in its deeper regions, yet ideally, it should be transparent for domestic use. Faucet water should not appear blue or aqua; if it does, it may contain foreign substances. Microscopic particles invisible to the naked eye can alter the water’s hue. Colloidal suspensions, noncolloidal organic acids, and neutral salts also influence the water’s coloration. Typically, the pigmentation in water stems from plant matter, derived from leaves and aquatic vegetation. Swamp water tends to possess the most vibrant pigmentation, which however diminishes over time due to sunlight’s bleaching effect and the aging process of the water. All surface waters exhibit some degree of coloration, and certain shallow wells, springs, and occasionally deep wells may show discoloration. Generally, water from deep wells is nearly clear.
A subjective scale exists to measure the color concentration in water samples. A color rating of 5 units indicates that the water’s hue matches that of distilled water containing 5 milligrams of potassium chloroplatinate per liter. Highly colored water is generally unsuitable for industrial purposes due to potential staining. Although color is not a primary concern for residential use, excessive color is aesthetically displeasing in drinking water and may cause staining. The U.S. EPA Secondary Drinking Water Regulations recommend that drinking water should have a color rating below 15 units. Color in water is commonly minimized or removed through processes such as coagulation, sedimentation, and filtration, with aluminum sulfate being the most commonly used coagulant. Methods like superchlorination, activated carbon filters, and potassium permanganate demonstrate varying effectiveness in removing color.
Recent news and reports suggest that a significant portion of tap and well water in the U.S. is unsafe for consumption due to widespread industrial and environmental contamination. Toxic bacteria, chemicals, and heavy metals frequently pollute natural water sources, causing illness and long-term health risks such as liver damage, cancer, and other serious conditions. It has reached a point where every source of our drinking water, including municipal systems, wells, lakes, rivers, and even glaciers, shows some level of contamination. Certain bottled water brands have also been found to contain high levels of contaminants, along with harmful chemicals seeping from the plastic bottles.
Installing an efficient water filtration system in your home is crucial for actively monitoring and ensuring the quality and safety of your drinking water. Reverse osmosis purification systems can remove 90-99% of contaminants from municipal and well water, providing your household with safe drinking water. Maintain your health and enjoy convenience with our Featured Drinking Water Filter System. Related Articles: