Abstract
The paper analyzes the issue of arsenic in drinking water and discusses different points of view regarding this problem. The paper also raises concerns regarding any contradicting research. The paper discusses limitations and developments and concludes that arsenic in the drinking water is an important concern that must be addressed in the near future, as is puts global health at risk.

Outline:
Introduction
Arsenic in Drinking Water as a Topic of Interest
Different Points of View & Conflicting Information
Research Limitations and Assumptions
New Developments
Personal Thoughts

From the Paper
"In the past few years, the topic of health as it relates to environmental awareness has emerged as a significant concern for global leaders, government officials and the common family. Arsenic, a ubiquitous element found in the atmosphere, soils, rocks, natural waters and organisms, is one of the current leading environmental health issues. Most environmental arsenic problems are the result of mobilization under natural conditions, but man has contributed to the release of arsenic in the environment through mining activity, combustion of fossil fuels, herbicides, and the use of arsenic as an additive to livestock feed."

Tags:water, filtering, treatment, contamination, poverty

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that lead is a serious environmental health issue. The writer points out that at exceptionally low concentrations-as low as 0.015 ppm-lead has been known to causes significant damage to health, especially among the very young. It is the hypothesis of this discussion that lead contamination of drinking water represents a persistent and realistic threat to human health. Moreover, the writer maintains that it is a health issue that will actually be quite prevalent in the developed world, perhaps even more so than in the developing world.

From the Paper
"Infants and children to age 6 are susceptible to delays in physical and mental development as well as deficits in attention span and learning ability. Adults contend with issues such as kidney problems and elevated blood pressure (Lead in drinking water, n.d.). Lead contamination in the drinking water supply could be especially problematic because of the ..."

Tags:lead, water, health

Abstract
The paper explains that many parts of the world have experienced elevated levels of nitrates in their drinking water by virtue of past industrial and agricultural practices. The paper provides a review of the relevant literature to determine the effects of nitrates in drinking water sources and examines what types of testing are typically done to assess the presence of nitrates, in particular in New Jersey. The paper discusses current and future trends in this area. The paper concludes that elevated levels of nitrates in drinking water supplies can result in profound adverse health consequences. People around the world are using their groundwater resources faster than they are being naturally replenished and this has caused further concentrations of any pollutants that might be present.

Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In a day and age characterized by debates over oil and potential future energy sources, an important fact is being overlooked. By all accounts, fresh water is far more important than oil and people had better pay closer attention to what is happening to their drinking water sources today. According to Roberts (2001), "Water use in the United States averages about 100 gallons of drinking water per person per day, more than just about any other country. A very small proportion of this water per person, approximately two gallons, is actually used for drinking and cooking. We use the majority of the water that comes into our homes for bathing, flushing toilets, doing laundry, watering lawns, filling swimming pools, and washing cars" (p. 64). Throughout the world, people obtain their drinking water from a wide range of sources, and these same techniques are used in the United States."

Tags:groundwater, resources, pollutants, health

Abstract
The 1980s was the 'International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade.' However, drinking water supply and sanitation problems persist in developing countries. Further, currently problems are emerging with drinking water supplies and sanitation facilities in the developed countries as well.

Abstract
The paper investigates many factors relating to open drinking water reservoirs such as water purification, toxic chemicals and testing systems. The paper shows the risks faced by Portland's reservoir which include the dumping of prescription drugs, waste from tankers and buses and the threat of radon in the drinking water. The paper suggests ways in which the Portland municipality could improve the situation through testing and legislation. It also includes maps of the area to illustrate points.

From the Paper
"While the water is safe perhaps it is not sterilized, which means that it does contain chemicals and other killer organisms. The best way to handle this situation is by protecting and regularly monitoring water from the main source so as to eliminate the possibility of potential contamination later on. To purify the water, treatment practices are used to get rid of the pathogenic organisms that are liable to enter into the water in the reservoir. Most of the water treatment techniques and technologies were actually developed several years ago to cure cholera and typhoid. These techniques are still applicable because they can still protect the public today like they have been for nearly a century. However, the new contaminants require new techniques to treat them, such as pathogens."

Tags:Tribalomethanes, TTHM, chlorine, filtration, ozonization, Oregon, pollution, groundwater

Abstract
This paper examines the fluoridation of drinking water, specifically in the United States. It explains that fluoridation began in the early 20th century with the aim of improving dental health and with the introduction of fluoridated water into community supplies in some countries, reductions in the rates of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) among children occurred. The paper looks at how the World Health Organisation, the United States and the E.U. all advocate fluoridation as an effective method of reducing dental caries, and how only the USA, Britain, Australia and Ireland and a few other countries have fully adopted its use in spite of these world health guidelines. The paper also points out how the engineer plays a key role in implementing the use of fluorine and must act responsibly due to its toxic nature and potentially fatal consequences of incorrect use. The paper concludes that the safety and necessity of fluorine in the drinking water in America needs to be monitored with more studies and research by qualified, well-funded, scientific groups.

Table of Contents:
Introduction. What is Fluorine?
Fluoridation History
How Fluoridation Works
Why Fluoridate?
The Engineer and Fluoridation
Fluoridation And The Law
Some Interesting Quotes on the Subject of Fluoridation
Conclusions

From the Paper
"Fluoride is usually added to water samples in solution form because in powder form (e.g. Sodium Fluoride, Sodium Fluorosilicate, etc.) it is toxic, dangerous to handle and must be stored in dust tight containers. Thus fluorine is often added as hydrofluorosilicic acid (H2SiF6).
This acid is safer because if it is spilt on the skin it can easily be washed off using cold water. This acid is stored in water treatment facilities in tanks. The tanks are lined with corrosion resistant rubber lining. Fluoridation usually takes place after all other treatments of the drinking water have been carried out. It must be done after water has been softened because ions in the water interfere with the fluoride content. The water must be mixed thoroughly before it leaves the facility, as fluoride is toxic in higher concentrations."

Tags:hydrofluorosilicic, acid, teeth, decay, health, bones, chemistry

Abstract
This paper relates that the negative health effects of lead-contaminated drinking water are significant and occur at very low concentrations. The author points out that the primary source for contamination has been identified as corroding plumbing, which means that almost the whole of the developed world is faced with this danger. The paper urges that samples of real-world concentrations of lead in the drinking water supplies in the developed world should be taken from residential, commercial, industrial, and public buildings. The author suggests that this information should be used to develop public health policies.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Literature Review
Discussion and Analysis
Summary of Findings

From the Paper
"Even at very low levels of lead exposure, individuals can experience measurable and permanent neurological damage. This is especially true for the young. Bryant (2004) contends that children are most susceptible to lead exposure from birth until the age of six. This is consistent with remarks by Watt et al. (1996), who outline the effects of minimal lead exposure to infants via drinking water--from bottle feeding, breast, or directly from the mother's blood before birth. Watt et al. (1996) points out that exposure to low levels of lead in infants has been positively correlated to decreases in intelligence over the course of an individual's life."

Tags:children, plumbing, aged, school, intelligence

Abstract
This paper explains that the direct application of gaseous chlorine from pressurized steel containers is generally the most economical method for disinfecting large volumes of water. The author points out the types and sources of water pollution extend far beyond the ability of this single treatment process; therefore, American consumers should be aware that additional pollutants may continue to be present in their drinking water despite the best efforts of water treatment experts to make it safe. The paper suggests that taste or odor problems can be minimized through proper dosages of chlorine at the treatment plant with a residual concentration maintained throughout the distribution system to ensure a safe level at the points of use.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Review and Analysis
Background and Overview
Current Applications
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Healthcare practitioners have long recognized that small amounts of toxic substances can sometimes have beneficial effects for humans, and this would seem to be the case with chlorine as well. As a chemical, chlorine is a toxic, corrosive, greenish yellow gas that is irritating to the eyes and respiratory system; it is two and a half times heavier than air. The substance becomes a liquid at -34C (-29F) and was first prepared from hydrochloric acid and manganese dioxide in 1774 by Carl Wilhelm Scheele; chlorine was widely regarded as a compound until research by Sir Humphry Davy showed (1810) that it cannot be decomposed and that muriatic (hydrochloric) acid is comprised of hydrogen and another true element that he named chlorine."

Tags:gaseous, taste, smell, pollution, residual

Abstract
This paper will examine the state of drinking water in both a Canadian and American context with the goal in mind of assessing current and future difficulties in drinking water supply.

Abstract
An 8-page paper examining contaminated drinking water in its western and Third World implications. How economic factors aggravate the problem and affect the ability to find solutions.