Why is keeping tap water turned on considered wastage?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of wasting tap water and explores alternative water sources like rainwater and seawater. Participants emphasize that while rainwater can be collected, it often requires treatment to be safe for drinking, and seawater desalination is costly and complex. The conversation highlights the importance of conserving potable water due to its treatment costs and the environmental impacts of wastewater disposal. Ultimately, the consensus is that responsible water management is crucial for sustainability and public health.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of potable water treatment processes
  • Knowledge of rainwater harvesting techniques
  • Familiarity with seawater desalination methods
  • Awareness of wastewater management and its costs
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "rainwater harvesting systems" for effective collection and storage
  • Explore "reverse osmosis" as a seawater desalination technique
  • Investigate "wastewater treatment technologies" for sustainable disposal
  • Learn about "potable water regulations" and their implications on public health
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Environmental scientists, water resource managers, urban planners, and anyone interested in sustainable water management practices.

  • #31
The phrase/word seems to turn up in all/most Romance languages. But, I doubt it actually means "sugar laden", rather "pleasant".

It might be a comparison to alkaline water, which reportedly tastes bitter.
 
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  • #32
hmmm27 said:
It might be a comparison to alkaline water, which reportedly tastes bitter.

In polish we also use "sweet water" but it's compared with "salt water" like in Baltic Sea. Funny enough, I've never thought (even as a child, at least I don't remember) about the name "sweet water" as literally meaning sweet water. I guess the context made it always clear.
 
  • #33
Was it Hong Kong where several districts had a 'parallel' supply of non-potable water for eg sewage flushing ?

Also, lessons from eg 'Cruise Ships', which necessarily get through a lot of fresh water. They cannot carry enough in tanks for route, often not enough for even portions of route. So, they make their own. Desalination is complex and energy intensive. Sea-water also has the 'organics' to 'blind' filters, membranes etc. IIRC, many modern cruise-ships use much of waste heat from engines to pre-heat then boil sea-water for distillation. It is a 'juggling act', as this needs the main engines run, so only available when travelling between ports. Auxiliary systems and 'buffer' tankage must suffice when in port or anchored...
 
  • #34
By letting tap water run you are turning freshwater into grey water (water drained from sinks, basins, showers, tubs, washers...) which needs to be treated, resevoired, oxygenated or the like to become tasty potable tap water for you to waste again.

It is a Bad Idea!

[Post edited by a Mentor]
 
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