Consider how your ancestors got their water in the past. They carried it in buckets to nearby rivers, streams, and lakes. Some people had to drink the stagnant water contaminated by algae from rain barrels and other collecting devices. Others had to go to wells that they had to dig. Filtration was poor or nonexistent. Waterborne diseases ran rampant.
Water Quality: The Value of Quality Water
Since the introduction of modern plumbing in late 1939, the life expectancy has increased dramatically. It is a blessing to live in an age where we can get fresh water from almost every building and home by simply opening a tap.In some cases, however, the quality of water in our homes may not be as good as what our ancestors endured centuries ago.
Many of you are located in areas that have mineral-laden water wells. Some municipal water supplies have been found to contain dangerous levels of chemicals, including pharmaceuticals and plastics.
Large water storage tanks are a common way for communities to store their water. These tanks may be seen driving through different towns. They are often marked with the name and location of the town. These tanks often have water drained out via the outlet pipes at the bottom. The water at the top is not mixed thoroughly, and the water becomes stagnant. This makes it a breeding ground for harmful bacteria such as giardia or E.coli.
Even the most advanced municipal water systems cannot guarantee safe drinking water. Because of our long experience in plumbing, we are more aware of water supply problems.