The Importance of Water and the Hydrologic Cycle Essay

The Importance of Water and the Hydrologic Cycle - Essay Example NRDC arranged to test 1000 portable water bottles comprising of 103 brands available in the US market. NRDC conducted a detailed investigation that lasted for four years. Usually, producers of the bottled water maintain that their products are free of any chemical contaminants. Some of the samples collected were found to be contaminated with E-coli Bacteria, Arsenic, Nitrate, chloroform, phthalates, and some other kinds of bacteria that can cause serious illnesses to those who consume it. Infection with E-Coli bacteria can cause diarrhea, and vomit to children, elderly people and those who body immune system is weak. Substances such as Arsenic are considered carcinogenic and can lead to nervous, skin and reproductive issues. Nitrate interferes with blood's oxygen intake ability, especially in infants. Nitrates also increase cancer risk. The substance such as chloroform can cause cancer of the pancreas, colon; it may also cause miscarriage or birth defects in newborns (NRDC, 2013).NRD C clarifies that not all brands were contaminated with harmful substances. Almost 25% of the bottled water, with at least one sample tested of each brand, was found to be violating state standards. Some of them were comparable to tap water; however, NRDC clarifies that these brands are not without risk because most brands were tested only a few times; NRDC has called their tests as 'snapshot' tests. It is also likely that source water quality due to different surface water sources varies significantly time to time.