Lesson 06 – Drinking Water Safety – Health Concerns and Testing

At a glance

Learning objectives

• 6.1 Describe potential water contaminants.
• 6.2 Describe how human health is affected by the quality of drinking water sources.
• 6.3 Explain who is responsible for testing drinking water.

Time required

Instruction time for this lesson: 45 – 65 minutes, plus homework assignment (40 mins.)

Grade level

9-12

Materials

• SW.6.1.A.TM.A: Common Drinking Water Concerns slide
• SW.6.1.A.TM.B: Land Use and Drinking Water Safety slide
• SW.6.1.TM.C: Common Water Contaminants and potential Human Health Impacts slide
• Sources of Groundwater Contamination, Groundwater Foundation (web resource)
• Computer
• LCD projector
• Screen
• 3.5 x 5" colored index cards for 6.1.a. Contaminant Cards (one set per small group, three colors/categories)
• SW.6.1.B.TM: Common Sources of Potential Drinking Water Contamination
• SW.6.2.TM: How is Human Health Affected by the Quality of Drinking Water Sources? slide
• Drinking Water Contaminants, U.S. EPA (web resource)
• Guidance for People with Severely Weakened Immune Systems, U.S. EPA (web resource)
• SW.3.1.AS: Drinking Water Home Inventory worksheets students completed during Lesson 3
• Testing Recommendations for Private Drinking Water Wells, eXtension (web resource)
• Current Drinking Water Regulations, U.S. EPA (web resource)
• Drinking Water from Household Wells, U.S. EPA (web resource)
• Private Drinking Water Wells, U.S. EPA (web resource)
• Private Wells: Frequently Asked Questions, U.S. EPA (web resource)
• SW.6.3.AS: Testing Recommendations for Private Drinking Water Wells worksheet – one copy for each student

Key Terms

Arsenic, Bacteria, Contaminant, Copper, Cryptosporidium, Disinfectants, Disinfection byproducts, Fluoride, Inorganic chemicals, Land use, Lead, Maximum Contaminant Level, Microorganisms, Nitrate, Nitrite, Organic chemicals, Pesticides, Radon, Septic System, Storm water runoff, Uranium