ABSTRACT
The availability of a water supply adequate in terms of both quantity and quality is essential to our very existence. History has shown that the provision of an adequate quantity of quality potable water has been a matter of major concern since the beginning of civilization. Modern technology has allowed us to tap potable water supplies and to design and construct elaborate water distribution systems. When the relationship between waterborne diseases and the consumption of drinking water was established, evolving scientific discoveries led the way toward the development of technology for processing and disinfection. Drinking water standards were developed by health authorities, scientists, and sanitary engineers. This book studies the physical, chemical, and biological properties of water, water’s relationship to the biotic and abiotic components of the environment, occurrence and movement of water on and beneath the surface of the earth, and the fouling and the treatment of water.
