What chemicals are found?, what are the effects of these chemicals? and what are other names used to describe these chemicals?
Australian tap water is considered safe to drink. but it can contain certain contaminants. Some of these be harmful in high concentrations or over long periods of exposure. The quality of tap water can vary depending on the location and the source of the water.
Some potential toxins or contaminants that can be found in Australian tap water include:
1. Chlorine and Chloramine: Used as disinfectants to kill harmful bacteria and viruses.
Alternative names: Hypochlorous acid, Sodium hypochlorite (for chlorine); Monochloramine (for chloramine).
2. Fluoride: Added to water supplies to help prevent tooth decay.
Alternative names: Hydrofluorosilicic acid, Sodium fluoride, Fluorosilicic acid.
3. Heavy Metals: Can leach into water from pipes or natural sources. Examples include:
Lead: Plumbing pipes, lead solder.
Copper: Copper pipes.
Arsenic: Naturally occurring in some groundwater sources.
Mercury: Industrial pollution.
4. Pesticides and Herbicides: Agricultural runoff can introduce these into water supplies.
Alternative names: Atrazine, Glyphosate, 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D).
5. Nitrates and Nitrites: Can enter water supplies from agricultural runoff and septic systems.
Alternative names: Nitrate, Nitrite.
6. Microorganisms: Pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa can sometimes be present.
Examples: E. coli, Giardia, Cryptosporidium.
7. Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs): Formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in the water.
Examples: Trihalomethanes (THMs), Haloacetic acids (HAAs).
8. Industrial Chemicals: Can contaminate water supplies through industrial discharge or spills.
Examples: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
9. Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products: Trace amounts can enter water supplies through wastewater.
Examples: Hormones, Antibiotics, Painkillers.
10. Microplastics: Small plastic particles that can enter water supplies from various sources.
Alternative names: Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polystyrene.
Water quality is regulated and monitored in Australia, and water utilities typically give annual water quality reports. Using water filters can reduce exposure to these contaminants.