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withdrawl depth of 30-40 meters is bacteriologically safe. However, arsenic, fluorides etc, need to be checked and removed before declaring it potable. b) Contaminants and their effects Most of the ancient civilizations had been very much concerned about keeping the water potable. Apart from insects, micro-organisms, many chemicals and minerals can make the water unfit for humanconsumption. By introduction of certain carefully designed rituals and customs, the common man was made to respect water-resources and to have an attitude of gratitude towards it. Normally, we consider the water, containing sand and turbidity etc. as dirty and unfit for drinking. However, even if our water looks to be clear and transparent, it may contain many other types of pollutants, which may make it unfit. The common, present day, pollutants are discussed below:i) Fluorides: If the content is more than 1.5 mg/1, it would cause
fluorosis. It causes tooth-decay and skeletal problems. ii) Arsenic: If the content is more than 10 mg/1, its prolonged use over
a period of 15-20 years may cause arsenicosis. It causes change of skin color, skin cancer, disease of blood vessels, reproductive
disorders, high blood pressure. iii) Lead: It affects nervous and reproductive system. Lead in water
comes from the lead-pipes carrying water. iv) Iron Deficiency: It causes anaemia which results in fatigue,
weakness, loss of color of skin, lips and eyes etc. v) Hardness: Caused by some alkaline salts. It causes laxative effect
and indigestion etc. vi) Sulphates: Mostly are of sodium & potassium. It can cause
diarrhea in conjunction with bacteria and parasitic organisms. vii) Bacteria: a) Vibrio cholerea bacteria causes Cholera b) C. Coli bacteria and other viral organisms cause Diarrhea,
dysentery. c) Salmonelia typhi etc. Bacteria cause typhoid.
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