Understanding Drinkable Water for Teens

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the chemistry of drinkable versus undrinkable water, focusing on the impact of certain chemicals and pathogens. Participants explore the challenges of understanding this topic in a way that is accessible to teenagers, particularly in the context of a chemistry assignment.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in finding resources that explain the chemistry of water in a teenager-friendly manner.
  • Another participant suggests that the assignment's purpose is to help the student translate scientific concepts into simpler language.
  • It is noted that water is considered drinkable when it does not contain harmful substances, including poisons and pathogens.
  • Concerns are raised about the solubility of toxic chemicals in water and the presence of harmful organisms that thrive in water.
  • A participant shares that they found a useful book on Australian drinking water standards, indicating progress in their research.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of understanding what makes water drinkable, but there is no consensus on specific resources or methods for simplifying the scientific language.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions of "drinkable" and "undrinkable" water are not fully explored, and the discussion does not resolve the complexities of water quality standards or the specific chemicals involved.

jedijess
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I have a chemistry assignment on what makes water drinkable or undrinkable due to certain chemicals. I couldn't find a thread that was already started to answer my question. I know all about water being the worlds solvent and why it's so important but I'm having troubles finding sites that put it into a teenagers jargen instead of mumbo jumbo scientist talk :)

Are there any good sites that have been hiding from me?

Also if anyone has completed an assignment like this or have a background in water quality and control that would be amazing if you could help me out.
 
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I am afraid the point of your assignment is to let you translate from the clear scientist talk into teenagers mumbo jumbo :wink:

Basically water is drinkable when it is not harmful, it is not harmful when it doesn't contain poisons and/or pathogens. Try to build on that.

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methods
 
jedijess said:
I have a chemistry assignment on what makes water drinkable or undrinkable due to certain chemicals. I couldn't find a thread that was already started to answer my question. I know all about water being the worlds solvent and why it's so important but I'm having troubles finding sites that put it into a teenagers jargen instead of mumbo jumbo scientist talk :)

Are there any good sites that have been hiding from me?

Also if anyone has completed an assignment like this or have a background in water quality and control that would be amazing if you could help me out.

Think of water as being the medium for which all the reactions that take place in your body are carried out in, without which you would not last long. Unfortunately many chemicals and compounds that are toxic to us are also solube in water.
 
Last edited:
gabriels-horn said:
Unfortunately many chemicals and compounds that are toxic to us are also solube in water.
And lots of creatures that are bad for us also need water and so live in it quite happily
 
Thanks guys :P I found an amazing book at the library today explaining Australian drinking water standards. Hopefully I will be set, only another couple of thousand words to write now.
 

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