Test and Treat Before You Drink
Figure 1. E. coli is one of many bacteria found in untreated water. It can be found in human and animal intestinal tracts and can make us really sick.Copyright Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory http://www.lbl.gov/Publications/Currents/Archive/Mar-05-2004.html
Students learn about water quality testing and basic water treatment processes and technology options. Biological, physical and chemical treatment processes are addressed, as well as physical and biological water quality testing, including testing for bacteria such as E. coli.
By creating access to clean water, engineers improve human health and save lives around the world. Engineers play a vital role in keeping harmful microscopic organisms out of our water supplies and research is continuously being conducted to develop new ideas to lower the energy demands and costs of treating water. Engineers design large- and small-scale water treatment facilities and water distribution systems that bring clean water to our homes and industries.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Describe how engineers can test for bacteria in water.
- Describe what turbidity is and how it affects various water treatment options.
- Compare and contrast small-scale water treatment options.
- Explain how water treatment technologies can save lives.