G97-1333 Drinking Water: Lead

Too much lead in the human body can cause serious damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system and red blood cells. This NebGuide discusses practices to address lead in a domestic water supply. Lead in Drinking Water Small quantities of lead can be a serious health concern, especially for children. Sources of lead in the environment include lead-based paint; lead contaminated soil, air and dust; lead contaminated food; imported food in lead-soldered cans; non-FDA regulated ceramics with lead glazes; leaded crystal and lead contaminated drinking water

G98-1369 Drinking Water: Nitrate and Methemoglobinemia \u3cem\u3e( Blue Baby Syndrome)\u3c/em\u3e

This NebGuide discusses the blood disorder methemoglobinemia, its effect on infants and prevention methods. Methemoglobinemia is a blood disorder caused when nitrite interacts with the hemoglobin in red blood cells. Unlike hemoglobin, the methemoglobin formed in this interaction cannot carry sufficient oxygen to the body\u27s cells and tissues. Although methemoglobinemia is rare among adults, cases have been reported among infants, where nitrate-contaminated well water was used to prepare formula and other baby foods. Nitrate in well water may result from point sources such as sewage disposal systems and livestock facilities, from nonpoint sources such as fertilized cropland, parks, golf courses, lawns and gardens or from naturally occurring sources of nitrogen

G08-1489 Drinking Water Treatment: Activated Carbon Filtration

Activated carbon filtration can effectively reduce certain organic compounds and chlorine in drinking water. It can also reduce the quantity of lead, dissolved radon, and harmless taste- and odor-causing compounds. This 2008 NebGuide discusses the principles, processes, and requirements of activated carbon filtration systems for the domestic (household) user

G08-1614 Drinking Water: Certified Water Testing Laboratories in Nebraska

This 2008 NebGuide explains the certification process water testing laboratories follow, and lists certified government and commercial operated laboratories

EC03-703 Drinking Water Treatment : An Overview

Extension Circular 03-703: Drinking water treatment--An Overview; using the overview tables in this guide, source protection, treatment system consideration, consumer reports and drinking water standards, summary of home water quality problems and solutions, related drinking water treatment publications, and related drinking water contaminant publications

G89-907 Drinking Water: Testing for Quality (Revised April 2005)

Why test water quality? Concern about water quality often leads consumers to ask questions such as What is in my water? or Is my drinking water safe? All water from natural sources contains dissolved substances. These substances are often called contaminants, especially when the amounts present are at possibly harmful or problematic levels. The substances in water can result from either natural processes or human activities. At low concentrations, many do not cause known harmful effects and may be beneficial. Research shows some substances may be harmful only when present at high enough concentrations. The only way to know if the water you use for drinking and cooking contains potentially harmful substances at levels high enough to be of concern is to have the water tested. Analytical testing can determine what substances are present and their concentration levels

G89-907 Drinking Water: Testing for Quality (Revised April 2005)

Why test water quality? Concern about water quality often leads consumers to ask questions such as What is in my water? or Is my drinking water safe? All water from natural sources contains dissolved substances. These substances are often called contaminants, especially when the amounts present are at possibly harmful or problematic levels. The substances in water can result from either natural processes or human activities. At low concentrations, many do not cause known harmful effects and may be beneficial. Research shows some substances may be harmful only when present at high enough concentrations. The only way to know if the water you use for drinking and cooking contains potentially harmful substances at levels high enough to be of concern is to have the water tested. Analytical testing can determine what substances are present and their concentration levels

EC08-1488 Drinking Water Treatment: What You Need to Know When Selecting Water Treatment Equipment

This 2008 NebGuide explores household water quality and treatment options and can help consumers select a treatment system suited to a particular situation

G08-1491 Drinking Water Treatment: Water Softening (Ion Exchange)

The presence of calcium (Ca) and/or magnesium (Mg) in water results in water being considered hard. Calcium and magnesium ions in water react with heat, metallic plumbing, and chemical agents such as detergents to decrease the effectiveness of nearly any cleaning task. Hard water can be softened using an ion exchange softening process. This 2008 guide discusses the ion exchange water softening process and related equipment used for household water treatment

EC03-703 Drinking Water Treatment : An Overview

Extension Circular 03-703: Drinking water treatment--An Overview; using the overview tables in this guide, source protection, treatment system consideration, consumer reports and drinking water standards, summary of home water quality problems and solutions, related drinking water treatment publications, and related drinking water contaminant publications