Composition of drainage water of Hinkson and Grindstone creeks

Abstract

A chemical analysis of water is carried on by very different methods, depending on the use to which the water is to be put. These methods may be conveniently classified as, (a) those in which the potability of water is determined, and (b) those by which the suitability of water for industrial purposes is determined. The potability of water is determined by its freedom from pathogenic organisms, ill smelling and bad tasting substances, while its suitability for industrial purposes is generally determined by the amount of mineral matter that is dissolved or suspended in it. This is especially true in case of steam making, paper manufacture, etc. In some industries, however, such as starch making, brewing, distilling, and ice making, the potability and the physical and chemical characteristics of water must also be considered. But the problem of industrial water is primarily a consideration of the mineral substances contained in the supplies. Water as it percolates through the soil, dissolves more or less of everything with which it comes in contact, and the chemical analysis of these various substances determines its adaptability to different industrial processes.