Water Treatment Plant Early American settlers tookwater quality for granted. In lightly settled towns and villages inthe 17th and 18th centuries, people found clean drinking water innearby streams and lakes, as well as in wells they dug to accessgroundwater. However, as population densities increased in urbancenters, many water supplies became contaminated, and people fellill as a result of drinking the impure water. Today, in developing countries around theworld, disease-causing water-borne microbes and chemical contaminantssicken millions of people each year. In developed countries such as the United States, governmentagencies require that the approximately 160,000 water treatmentfacilities supplying drinking water nationwide meet strict safetyand quality standards. Public drinking water generallycomes to a treatment facility either from underground aquifers orfrom surface streams and reservoirs such as the one featured inthis video segment.
Teacher Guides By Film - Poisoned Waters | Teacher Center | FRONTLINE Video Segment Themes New chemicals from everyday products have been detected in drinking water sources. Testing of treated has shows chemicals are present in “finished” water that is delivered to the tap. Scientists believe these chemicals – referred to as “endocrine disruptors” – has caused genetic mutations in fish. There also aren’t any established safety standards to regulate these chemicals. Discussion Questions Poisoned Waters explores how scientists are finding genetically mutated marine life caused by “endrocrine disruptors”—chemicals from consumer products, pharmaceuticals. Where does waste from our toilets and sink wind up? Go Further Featured Lesson Plan: “What Can Students Do? Web-exclusive Resources: What’s Safe to Eat and Drink?