why isnt the source of water used as a criterion to evaluate water pollution?

Answer 1

Water sources ARE evaluated as a criteria for water pollution.

Recharge zones (outcrops) are where rainwater infiltrates a drinking water reservoir. As the geology of the formation dips into the earth, the rainwater is carried with it. If you do not regulate the stormwater, leaking underground storage tanks, or surficial spills in these zones, then you will have polluted drinking water.

It is not uncommon for some heavy contaminants (such as trichloroethylene [TCE]) to infiltrate a city groundwater aquifer due to spills or releases.

Water quality is measured at the water well. Some aquifers may require secondary treatment for it to be considered a useable aquifer.

Answer 2

Well, if i understand your Q correctly.

You need to set criteria of pollution that is related directly to health. for example, you can say that elevated levels of Pb in water cause serious health effects, so we set a limit on Pb discharge from industries.

different industries will discharge different concentrations of Pb. but we are interested in the limit of Pb, not the industry (source), you see.


Legal limits are a compromise between health impacts, industrial development, and cost of water treatment.

Answer 3

good question! i never thought of that. i've heard that water is the purest when it comes from it's first source, like a spring. but if it comes from a factory or something then it's gonna be polluted. somebody should fix that.