IS IT COMMON TO FIND PURE WATER IN NATURE-
In your perspective, how frequently do you encounter untouched, pure water sources in the natural environment?
Discussing purity in today’s context often seems like a challenging task. Can you name a product that remains entirely pure in its natural state? Water, for instance, is rarely, if ever, found pure in nature. Both groundwater and surface water typically contain a variety of constituents, such as microorganisms, gases, inorganic and organic materials. But what accounts for this? It’s because water is in a constant state of change as it travels across the globe. The chemical composition of water evolves continuously as it cycles through the hydrologic cycle. The specific chemical constituents in groundwater are influenced by factors like the chemistry of the precipitation and the water that recharges it. For instance, near coastlines, precipitation tends to have higher levels of sodium chloride, while in areas downwind of industrial zones, airborne sulfur and nitrogen compounds can make precipitation acidic.
One of the most significant natural transformations in groundwater chemistry occurs within the soil. Soils are rich in carbon dioxide, which dissolves in groundwater, forming a weak acid capable of dissolving various silicate minerals. As groundwater moves from its recharge to its discharge area, it may dissolve substances it encounters or deposit some of its own constituents along the way. The final quality of the groundwater is influenced by temperature and pressure conditions, the types of rock and soil formations it flows through, and possibly the residence time. Generally, faster-moving water tends to dissolve less material. Groundwater also carries any soluble contaminants it comes into contact with.
When considering the best choice for our health, water treated effectively with modern equipment and in compliance with current regulations is preferable, as there are no naturally ‘pure’ sources available to us. Despite the impressive natural purification processes at work, it’s wise to ensure the water consumed at home is safe by using a reliable water filtration system, particularly as many city water pipes age and utilities struggle to upgrade every component of their distribution systems.