What are some Water Basics I Should Know?

Water can be 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 of the earth. This water is usually low in mineral content which is good news. However, surface water is exposed to many different contaminants, such as animal wastes, pesticides, insecticides, industrial wastes, algae and many other organic materials which frequently cause bacteria in water. Even surface water found in a pristine mountain stream can contain Giardia or Coliform Bacteria from the feces of animals, and should be boiled or disinfected by Ultra Violet light or chemical disinfection prior to drinking. 

Ground Water is water 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 water sources, ground water may contain any or all of the contaminants found in surface water as well as the dissolved minerals. Waters that contain dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium above certain levels are considered "hard water". Because water is a solvent, it tends to dissolve and 'gather up' small amounts of whatever it comes into contact with. 
Due to the different characteristics of water, it is important that we know the source of your water -- Surface or Ground.

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