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Article: Fresh Water, Natural Contaminants in
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- Water:Science and Issues
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CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 The Gale Group Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Fresh Water, Natural Contaminants in
Contaminated
groundwater
and
surface water
generally is associated with human-related activities such as illegal dumping of chemicals, over-application of agricultural chemicals, and improperly constructed or maintained septic systems. Yet natural chemicals, elements, or particles from the land and in the subsurface can affect the quality of fresh water, including its potability (drinkability).
A
contaminant
may or may not be harmful to human health or the environment. Water that is safe to drink contains no contaminants at levels that may be harmful to health; however, it may still contain constituents classified as contaminants. "Pure" water ...