I live in a condominum in Sarasota, FL where they use "reclaimed water" to irrigate the lawns. The stench is like rotten eggs. I gather it's about a step above wastewater and not fit for human consumption. Does anyone know how often the water is tested? And how safe it is to have this stuff constantly spraying the lawns where we live? It is certainly not a giant step to believe we are breathing in the contaminants that may be in the water.
2006-11-15 00:00:36 · 2 answers · asked by kam 1 in Environment
Treated effluent from waste water treatment facilities is typically mixed with water from lakes, streams, or ponds, and then spread on golf courses, lawns, and sod farms.
There is a natural odor inherent to a lot of Florida water to start with that smells like rotten eggs. Referred to as "sulfur water", it is probably that which you are smelling, not the reclaimed water.
2006-11-15 00:22:42 · answer #1 · answered by Gnome 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the case of your condo, it likely refers to collecting waste water from sinks and showers, doubtful that it would include toilet water because the effort to sufficiently sanitize that would outway the benefits. It may also include capturing and storing rain water then using it during dry days. Health codes would require the proper treatment of any water to guard against harm to humans and animals or contamination of the ecosystem.
The smell you report is very common in water that isn't treated for drinking (sulfur water is ok to drink, but it doesn't taste very good!).
2006-11-15 02:20:08 · answer #2 · answered by Leonardo D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋