VA Household Water Quality Program Provides Education / Affordable Testing
VA Household Water Quality Program Provides Education / Affordable Testing The Roanoke Star
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The Household Water Quality Program
The Household Water Quality Program aims to assist individuals in testing their water and understanding the results to take appropriate action. With a network of approximately 120 trained Extension agents across the commonwealth, the program is annually offered in about 70 counties. It focuses on testing various water quality issues that can have an impact on human health.
Testing Facilities and Parameters
The program relies on two research labs situated on Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus. These labs conduct tests for bacteria, pH levels, a range of metals, and other elements that may pose health concerns. Additionally, they analyze nuisance contaminants like iron, manganese, and water hardness.
Health Concerns and Water Contamination
Bacteria contamination is one of the primary health concerns associated with water. Ling, a program representative, emphasizes the significance of identifying total coliform bacteria, which indicates that surface water has infiltrated deeper wells. While coliform serves as a warning sign, the presence of E. coli indicates the entry of human or animal waste into the water supply.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article:
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
2. Specific targets under those SDGs based on the article’s content:
- SDG 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
- SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
3. Indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Presence of total coliform bacteria and E. coli in water samples as indicators of potential contamination and health risks.
- Testing for bacteria, pH, metals, and other elements to assess water quality.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. | Presence of total coliform bacteria and E. coli in water samples as indicators of potential contamination and health risks. |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally. | Testing for bacteria, pH, metals, and other elements to assess water quality. |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Presence of total coliform bacteria and E. coli in water samples as indicators of potential contamination and health risks. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: theroanokestar.com
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