Health and Economic Aspects of Water Hardness and Corrosiveness

Abstract

The following is published as the point of view of two respected members of the water profession. Its appearance in the Journal in no way implies either acceptance or rejection of these opinions by AWWA. To provide balance on the subject, the Journal requested comment from another highly respected water‐supply authority, Abel Wolman, whose comments appear on page 216 of this issue.

A national survey for cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, zinc, calcium, and magnesium in Canadian drinking water supplies

“…to relate the occurrence of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases to the presence of trace metal pollutants such as Cd and Pb (I) and hardness of the local water supplies in terms of Ca and Mg (2)(3)(4)(5). The toxic effects of trace metal pollutants are well documented (6).…”

Industrial Wastewater: Characteristics, Treatment Techniques and Reclamation of Water

“…Its contamination causes severe dysfunction of the kidney, reproductive system, brain, and nervous system in humans. The hardness of water due to calcium and magnesium concentration cause damage to appliances and equipment of household and industries (Hudson and Gilcreas 1976).…”

Drinking Water and Human Health Challenges in the Twenty‐First Century

“…Economic burden of the aged UDWDS has been primarily calculated on the basis of corrosive effects at a rate of US$36 billion year -1 in the USA alone [75]. Recent epidemiologic data on the burden of disease associated with the presence of pathogens/contaminants in UDWDS raise the additional total social cost to tenths of US$ billions year -1 [76,77]. Similarly, 3-4% GDP goes into corrosion costs in other countries, such as, Australia, Great Britain, and Japan [78].…”