Investigating Sustainability Gratch 2013 | Page 37

90 % of the people look in their cups before they drink the water. Most people worry about

Inside Water the quality of the water they are drinking more than the quality of water they are using. Water quality depends on the different amount and kinds of substances dissolved in the water. It is also based on the degree of acidity or alkalinity; temperature; color and transparency; taste and odor; and the presence of undesirable microorganisms.

“ Water, which in its purest form contains atoms of hydrogen and oxygen only, almost always contains dissolved substances, particulate matter and living organisms.” Underwater species use the dissolved oxygen to breathe. There are inorganic and organic substances underwater. Common organic substances are pesticides, phenols and carboxylic acids. Common inorganic substances are phosphate, sulfate, bicarbonate, nitrite, nitrate, sodium, ammonium, calcium, potassium, chloride and magnesium. These substances are dangerous to humans and can cause odor and bad taste.