The Water We Drink

Various fictional films depict attacks that involve contaminating the towns' water supply. Of course, the residents eventually contract a virus and transform into mutilated creatures, etc. Naturally, this article succeeds the notion embedded into fictional cinema. It does, however, incorporate a question regarding the water supply we so conveniently depend on. If you are not already familiar with the process, read on:

The town water supply relies on three separate sources; ground water, surface water, or water authorities. Surface sources depend on lakes, rivers, etc. Ground water is pumped from aquifers and underwater springs. Additionally, few towns may purchase it via water authorities, or large corporations. In Las Vegas, 88% is obtained from Lake Mead. However, because the lake consists of animals, feces, and dead bodies, a filtration system is heavily relied upon. It is typically filtered multiple times. The initial phase intends to remove larger objects, and the process is repeated until everything is eliminated. The remaining sludge is also removed and proceeds to a dumping ground where it may or may not be transported back to the lake, river, etc.

Finally, the water must be tested. The plants will usually contain separate locations to conduct studies on the respective drinking water, which eventually must be approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Associated elements that may be incorporated in the water include lead, nitrates, and various pesticides. One interesting fact I noticed while researching the aforementioned subject is how liquid iron is removed from the water source. Naturally, it may prove difficult for some filters to remove liquid from liquid. In cases such as these, the water is run through a device that will mold the iron into rust, and transforms the liquid state to a solid. This, of course, can be removed. To conclude, the water towers we occasionally notice in small towns, etc. are typically provided as emergency sources. Though I assume many liquid elements have the capability of contaminating the water, in the meantime I suppose we will have to develop trust and place it in our water filtration system.