Domestic Water Use Analysis

Water has many domestic uses. These uses include drinking, preparing food, washing clothes, bathing, watering lawns and gardens, and maintaining pools (U.S. Geological Survey, 2019). Domestic water encompasses portable and non-portable water provided to households by public water suppliers and self-supplied water typically drawn from sources as wells and rainwater (U.S. Geological Survey, 2019). Since water comes from diverse sources, it might be contaminated with harmful compounds, making it important to analyze it to ensure its fitness consumption and other uses.

Several methods can be used to analyze water components. One of these methods is the tannin test. Testing for tannins is simple as it involves filling a clear glass with water and leaving it undisturbed overnight (Quality Life Solutions, 2019). Tannins' presence is indicated by light yellow to dark brown discoloration in the water (Quality Life Solutions, 2019). However, if the color settles at the bottom of the glass, the likelihood is that the discoloration results from iron or manganese or a combination of the two as opposed to tannins (Quality Life Solutions, 2019). As such, tannins are only likely to present if the color remains intact (Quality Life Solutions, 2019). This test is vital in identifying suitable water for use since although tannins do not pose any health hazard, they are an aesthetic problem. Besides, the tanning test is one of the least complex water analysis methods.

Another method is the double displacement reaction of AgNO3 and NaCl. This method involves ionic compounds that dissolved in water. On mixing these solutions, there is the possibility of ions coming into contact with each other and reacting to form a new product (Laney College, n.d.). Precipitation, the evolution of gas, and change in temperature indicate a reaction when the compounds are combined (Laney College, n.d.). For example, precipitation usually occurs after combining AgNO3 and NaCl, indicating a reaction that results in the formation of AgCl (silver chloride) (Laney College, n.d.). This method is important in showing the presence of chemicals in water (Laney College, n.d.). Some chemicals are harmful when consumed and hence the need for chemical analysis of water.

The third method is activated charcoal. This method involves two types of water filters. One of them is adsorptive filters which attract and adsorbs contaminants on the surface of the carbon particles (SSWM University, 2010). Adsorptive filters are composed of a material that either reacts or adsorbs with a contaminant in water (SSWM University, 2010). The efficiency of adsorption depends on the features of the carbon material, such as the surface area. On the other hand, particulate filters exclude particles by size (SSWM University, 2010). Therefore, the activated charcoal technique is vital in examining whether the water has any contaminants.

Water can also be analyzed for hardness. Examining water hardness can involve using a simple soap test kit to assess "grains of hardness" (Safe Drinking Water Foundation, 2019). A small bottle with a line on it should be filled with water to the line. A drop of soap should then be added, followed by shaking to look for suds. More drops of soap indicate a high degree of hardness (Safe Drinking Water Foundation, 2019). Testing water hardness in important for determining whether it is appropriate for use, since too much hardness makes it unsuitable for drinking and laundry.

I have learned that not all water is suitable for domestic use. Water can be contaminated with chemicals and other contaminants. Accordingly, it should be analyzed to ascertain its fitness for consumption, washing, among other uses.  Human activities such as improper use of chemicals waste mainly cause water contamination. Therefore, one way to keep the water clean is to avoid polluting activities and engaging in environmental conservation efforts.

Outline

Water has many domestic uses. These uses include drinking, preparing food, washing clothes, bathing, watering lawns and gardens, and maintaining pools. Domestic water encompasses portable and non-portable water provided to households by public water suppliers and self-supplied water typically drawn from sources as wells and rainwater. Since water comes from diverse sources, it might be contaminated with harmful compounds, making it important to analyze it to ensure its fitness consumption and other uses.

• There are numerous methods that can be used to analyze water components and these methods have their importance.
• One of the methods is the tannin test.
• Another method is the double displacement reaction of AgNO3 and NaCl.
• This method entails ionic compounds that are dissolved in water.
• The third method is activated charcoal.
• This method basically involves two types of water filters.
• The last method is analyzing the water hardness.
• Examining water hardness can involve using a simple soap test kit that will assess in ‘grains of hardness.

I have learned that not all water is suitable for domestic use. Water can be contaminated with chemicals and other contaminants. Accordingly, it should be analyzed to ascertain its fitness for consumption, washing, among other uses.  Human activities such as improper use of chemicals waste mainly cause water contamination. Therefore, one way to keep the water clean is to avoid polluting activities and engaging in environmental conservation efforts.