Countries with the best and worst drinking water. Where does the best tap water flow in Russia and can it be drunk

More than 8.5 million Russians are not provided with clean drinking water. This is almost 6% of the total population of the country. Such data is given in Rosstat.

Moreover, experts say that in general in Russia the situation with the quality and availability of water has improved, but in some regions, and there are at least ten of them, everything is only getting worse.

The water supply is also bad in some settlements of Siberia. In the Kostroma region and Buryatia, the water quality is also "not very good". The anti-rating winners are Vologda Region and Karachay-Cherkessia, where half of the population is deprived of safe water. At the same time, environmentalists remind that it is water that can become the main risk to health and life.

In one of the rural houses in Ryazan region tap water is a dirty yellow liquid. In this form, it reaches the coarse filter. Those who don’t have it have long since given up tea and coffee, and for cooking they bring water from the well.

"I cleaned the kettle literally two days ago, it is covered with a coating and flakes float in the water. You're probably wondering what's wrong with her. When we did a water analysis, just a primary analysis, it showed that in the water great content gland", - says Evgenia Karpukhina, a resident of Ryazan.

Meanwhile, in the Kostroma region, the prosecutor's office began to check the regional department natural resources. According to one version, officials issued permission to use the wells without examination, and the water turned out to be contaminated with boron. Is it true, local authorities villages of Krasnoe-on-Volga are optimistic about this problem.

According to experts, the main criterion is safety. Water can be poisonous, but this is not the most serious problem. The systematic use of liquids with an admixture of, say, strontium leads to chronic bone disease. Nitrates and nitrites, which fall into wells with rains, are fraught with mutagenic consequences. Groundwater can also be poisonous during the extraction of hydrocarbons.

Centralized water supply can become at least some guarantee of quality, experts say.

The scheme of technology for organizing centralized water supply looks like this: a reservoir, a water intake, a treatment plant, a pipeline system, and the last link in this chain is a kitchen faucet. Utilities call this stage the last mile. It often happens that it is worn-out communications in apartment building spoil high-quality drinking water, which has traveled kilometers.

"Water goes to the distribution network, and there it already turns out Terra Incognita, because the condition of the distribution network is really not very good and it is possible for the formation of secondary excess pollution in the water after it has been cleaned", - says the head of the water treatment department of the Russian Water Supply and Sanitation Association Georgy Sambursky.

Quality water is not only the health of the nation. It is also a factor of production.

"In order for an investor to consider Astrakhan or any other region, a specific territory in this very region, he needs many factors to converge in this place: water, transport, electricity and, in the end, access to at least some factors of production", - says Vladimir Kolmakov, Associate Professor of the Department of Financial Management of Plekhanov Russian University of Economics.

If the regional authorities cannot provide the investor with water, then the money will go past the cash desk, and they would be useful for the reconstruction of Soviet water utilities, which are still enough. According to statistics, 90% of Russians are provided with drinking water, the question is what lies under this wording.

"There is not even a differentiation here, from where, what source. It may be a well if we are talking about rural settlements, but the degree of security is taken into account here.", - says the special correspondent of the department of social problems of the newspaper "Izvestia" Valeria Nodelman.

According to official data, drinking water 8.5 million citizens do not. The record holder is the Vologda Oblast, where half of the inhabitants have no water at all, and the rest prefer not to risk their health and go to the spring with canisters.

There are a number of mineral waters in the world, which, unlike most waters, have a number of advantages. In the TOP 10 mineral waters you will find waters, which include a large number of useful minerals that water receives as it passes through volcanic rocks and other layers of the Earth. These waters help prevent chronic diseases, bone problems, and stomach problems. These waters are often more expensive than ordinary waters. If you really want to drink healthy water, find among our list the one that is sold in your country. Based on the materials of the TOP10-World rating.

1 Evian

2 Perrier

3 BORJOMI (Borjomi)

4 San Pellegrino (San Pelegrino)

We all know that it is impossible to drink unboiled tap water. But ... if you really want, then you can. Although, no one guarantees that after a couple of sips you will not turn into a kid, but still, before traveling to distant countries, you should find out and remember where you can drink water without preliminary heat treatment, and where even cleaning with activated carbon will not help.

Switzerland

In Switzerland, everything is the best: chocolate, cheese, and even water. Tap water, whether it be Lausanne, Zurich, Geneva or a godforsaken settlement high up in the mountains, is of the same high quality as bottled drinking water. In addition, the composition, which harmoniously combines trace elements and mineral salts, is comparable to the composition of many bottled mineral waters. This is evidenced by the reports of the consumer federations of Switzerland (SKS) and Ticino (ACSI), as well as the Industrial Association of Geneva (SIG), responsible for water supply. And the Romandes Federation of Consumers (FRC) even advocates drinking water only from the tap, as it is 1000 times more environmentally friendly and 500 times cheaper than mineral water bought in a store.

The second place in terms of the quality of tap water is occupied by the country of fjords and northern lights. Tap water is clean, tasty and safe to drink. In addition, regular inspections of all water supply and treatment facilities are carried out, and constant monitoring of the quality of their work is carried out.

On the territory of a tiny state located between Germany, France and Belgium, there are more than 70 reservoirs, springs and underground rivers. This country is one of the three leaders in terms of cleanliness and quality of tap water in the world. Of course, that Luxembourg hotel is bad that does not offer its guests a couple of bottles of mineral water, but if suddenly the maid forgot to replenish the mini-bar and there is no strength to endure thirst, you can always drink plenty from the tap.

France

The French are well aware that "without water, neither there nor here." Especially important is its composition and quality for cooking, which is important for the country of gourmets. Therefore, the authorities carefully monitor the measures and methods for water purification, and even provide tax incentives to those who cope with this task best of all. By the way, French tap water has one of the lowest bacteria counts in the world. And the most best water flows in the taps of the inhabitants of Vichy and Evian.

In Austria, water is supplied to the water supply from artesian sources or springs. The first Austrian water conduit from mountain springs was launched on October 24, 1873 in the town of Schwarzenberg, and 15 years later, almost every house in Vienna had a water pipe with high-quality drinking water. And for almost a century and a half, the quality of water in Austria has only improved. Security water resources and the quality of water in the country is controlled at the state level, and almost all water installations are under the responsibility of the government.

Italy

The regulatory authorities for the protection of Italian water resources and water quality regularly conduct tests and measurements of trace elements, pH and bacteria in all water pipes in the country. So you can drink water in Italy not only from the tap, but even from a fountain on the street. Since the time of the ancient Romans, the water in the fountains has been supplied from aqueducts and is considered one of the most environmentally friendly in the world.

Great Britain

Turning on the faucet in the bathroom of a hotel in the UK, the traveler receives water of the highest quality standards. Even the queen drinks tap water in England.

Sweden

Sweden occupies a leading position not only in the quality of life, but also in the quality of tap water suitable for drinking. Stockholm is especially famous for its delicious tap water.

Germany

The highest standards are applied to water in Germany. The most modern treatment facilities have been installed throughout the country, and continuous monitoring of the quality of their work is carried out. How else? Without good water, it is impossible to brew delicious beer, the leader in the production of which is, of course, Germany.

Drinking tap water in Iceland is not a bad idea. Tap water in this country is considered one of the safest and cleanest in the world.

10 Countries Where Drinking Water Is Dangerous

Cambodia

84% of the population do not have access to clean and safe water. Needless to say, it is not recommended to drink tap water on the territory of the ancient kingdom. It is better to stock up on a sufficient amount of mineral water so that, while admiring natural beauties or the unique temple complex of Angor Wat, do not feel thirsty. In addition, decent Cambodian hotels always provide a minimum supply of bottled drinking water. A couple of bottles of water can always be found in the bathroom and in the minibar, and it's free.

Laos

India

Let Indian deities help those who want to drink water from the tap, or do not complain if you spend most holidays not for beaches of Goa, but in the toilet. Of course, everything can be attributed to spicy cuisine, but, just the same, curry and other masalas can save the traveler a little from the consequences of a reckless sip of water in the toilet of a roadside cafe. You see, even the sugar cane juice that the boy makes on the beach is much cleaner than tap water.

Haiti

Despite all the difficulties, Haiti is increasingly becoming a desirable destination for independent travelers thirsty for adrenaline. Many people combine visiting Haiti with relaxing on the beaches. Dominican Republic, but few are aware that with drinking water in a country washed by by the caribbean And Atlantic Ocean, to put it mildly, a deficit. Therefore, it is not surprising that the most popular non-alcoholic drinks in Haiti are ordinary drinking water and water with the addition of sugar cane juice - Crailin drink. Local population, of course, drinks water not only from the tap, but in general what kind of water is needed, but it also turns to Voodoo spirits for help. So do not know a couple of effective spells for diarrhea - drink bottled water.

3 tips on how to purify water with improvised methods while traveling

Method 1. The simplest and most effective is to boil. If you know in advance that the water in the country you are traveling to is not safe to drink, check with the hotel if your room will have an electric kettle. Doubt it exists? Grab a kettle.
Method 2. When you travel, take plenty of activated charcoal tablets with you. You can drink the tablets yourself if you have stomach problems. And you can use them as a filter for water purification. To do this, take any clean vessel, pull a piece of cotton or linen fabric over it (a clean T-shirt is also suitable), and pour coal on top. Now in a thin stream, slowly pour water from the tap onto the coal. Let the water settle and, in principle, you can drink.

1. Maldives.
The Maldives is a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world. There are a lot of reasons for this here: this is the sun, and the sea, and beautiful islands. The water here is so clear that being in a boat, you can see your shadow on the bottom of the sea.

2. Australia.
The water in this red stone cave is surprisingly clear. The only thing that distorts the view of the bottom is a slight ripple formed by a nearby waterfall.

3. Lake of five colors, China.
This lake is located in the Jiuzhaigou Valley in the northern Chinese province Sichuan. The lake of five colors is famous for its bottom, covered with a carpet of ancient trees, covered with a layer of clear water.

4. Sardinia.
Another popular place among tourists, you don’t even need to describe anything here, just look at the photo. The second largest island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is home to some of the rarest animal and fish species.

5. Lake Crater.
Located in Oregon, Crater Lake was formed by an explosion ancient volcano about 7 thousand years ago.

6. Piccaninnie Ponds, Australia.
These ponds are a real nature reserve located in South Australia. You can dive into the water here only after obtaining a special permit, but it's worth it.

7. Lake Mashu.
Officially, this is one of the most transparent lakes in the world, which got its name from the mountain of the same name, at the foot of which it is located. The transparency of the water here reaches 41.6 meters.

8. Lake Sheosar, Pakistan.
Located in the northern part of Pakistan, it is natural lake so perfect that you might think it is the work of man. Surrounded by mountains, with animals walking along its banks, Lake Sheosar is deservedly considered one of the picturesque places planets.

10. Lake Baikal.
In addition to its purity, Lake Baikal is known as the most deep lake in the world. The world's second contender for this title, Lake Tanganyika, is behind the leader by as much as 200 meters. Spring transparency Baikal water is as much as 40 meters.

Where is the cleanest water in the world?

So, in the first place is the country of watches, chocolate and banks - Switzerland. If you go through the main eight parameters, then Switzerland will score maximum amount points.

In second place are the Swedes. The point is that residents Scandinavian country with special trembling relate to nature, they protect their forests and reservoirs. In addition, Sweden has almost perfect drinking water and minimized emissions. carbon dioxide in atmosphere.

In third place again Scandinavians. Norway has an excellent quality of surface sources of drinking water and high-level wastewater treatment methods. And about 98% of the electricity here is generated by hydroelectric power plants.

The fourth place in our rating belongs to another neighboring Scandinavian country - Finland. And this is quite natural - the Finns are rightfully proud of their numerous cleanest lakes, they protect them and love them very much. The quality of drinking water is beyond praise. The government pays a lot of attention to the treatment of agricultural technical waste and care for the waters of the country's marine area.

However, let's leave the old Europe and move to Central America. Costa Rica closes the top five countries that can rightly be proud of their water resources and attitude towards them. In this small but very beautiful country Almost all industrial, agricultural and domestic wastewater undergoes mandatory treatment. However, experts noted that Costa Rica still needs to improve its relationship with marine waters.

In sixth place is Austria, in this country they pay attention to both the quality of drinking water and wastewater. Things are not bad at all with agriculture and the protection of water resources, but Austria did not manage to get into the top five.

New Zealand work diligently to reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere and diligently protect the sea, but sewage treatment, air quality and drinking water treatment leave much to be desired.

The top ten is closed by Latvia, which was recommended to be more attentive to its marine resources, Colombia, which practically does not discharge untreated industrial and agricultural effluents, and France. This country came in tenth place, as it does not pay enough attention to the protection of water resources and the creation of protected marine zones.

Which countries have the cleanest drinking water?

In 2003, UN experts published a report on the results of surveys of drinking water quality in 122 countries around the world. The cleanest water is in Finland. It is followed by Canada, New Zealand, the UK and Japan. Russia is in seventh place. Oddly enough, on last place according to this indicator Belgium. Cleaner water is drunk even in India, Sudan and Rwanda.

Vienna water is the cleanest city water in the world

Do you know that in Vienna in order to drink natural water from a mountain spring, it is enough just to turn on the tap? And this is exactly so. From springs in the mountains Styria and in the lower Austrian Alps, without any pumps, water under careful control reaches the capital of Austria in 36 hours. Perfectly pure water is one of the factors that make Vienna the best city in the world to live in.

Two high-altitude aqueducts deliver 400,000 cubic meters of spring water to Vienna every day. Along the way, this water also passes through hydroelectric power plants, giving 65 million kilowatt-hours of electricity - for small town enough. Vienna is so proud of its drinking water that it has placed it under the protection of the constitution - the first in the world.

Mountain water pipelines left without work water tower in the Favoriten area: it is no longer connected to the city water supply, but remains a notable architectural monument. "Industrial historicism" style is unusual and the tower is definitely worth a look. Moreover, around this tower there is a unique water park Wasserturm with many streams and waterfalls, bridges and ponds. Well, just rest in its purest form!

Sources: www.bugaga.ru, www.waterexpert.ru, www.pyramidweb.ru, luxlux.net, venagid.ru

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Do you drink tap water safely? Do you swim in local waters with a light heart? Do you eat freshly caught river fish with an appetite?

To begin with, a small "water educational program".

Water is one of the most important elements necessary to sustain life on Earth. Our planet is called blue due to the fact that from space it looks exactly like this: 2/3 of the Earth's surface is water, 99% of which is oceans and only a small part is freshwater.

According to experts, water and its quality are one of the main factors that radically affect the quality of life. Of course, one can argue with this, because water seems to be a trifle, here is a penthouse, a leopard rug under your feet, a cool car - they affect the standard of living much more. But let's imagine for a moment what all this is worth if there is no water ...

Although it is a familiar component of everyday existence for us, which always flows from the tap in abundance, it is bottled in pharmacies and stores, despite the underestimation - water is the blood flow supporting the pulse of the Earth.

About 2 billion people, that is, a third of the world's population, suffer from diseases acquired as a result of the use of polluted water.

And then there is Africa, Ethiopia, Indonesia, etc., where water is either almost non-existent or polluted... And every drop of water there is worth its weight in gold, and many locals have not even heard of such innovations as showers or sewerage.

The food that a person eats is 90% water, he himself is 80% water, by old age (by the age after 60 years), with a decrease in metabolism, the “water composition” of a person decreases to 60%.

In general, water is everywhere, water is necessary for all living organisms. Human health is 80% dependent on water quality - according to scientists who conducted special studies.

Of course, if you use clean and compliant water, but live in an unfavorable area where the air is filled with toxic emissions, eat junk food, there will be little health benefit. Agree that a set of measures is needed. However, you can move to an area with the cleanest air, eat village products, but if you drink “bad” water, the effect of the first two steps will be less than just improving the quality of water. Water is our everything, together with everything else, of course.

How and what kind of water appears in the tap?

From the river water intake, through several stages of purification, water enters the city water supply system, or from an artesian well. The source of water is mainly freshwater reservoirs, rivers, reservoirs.

« How is the water intake on the river? Hydraulic jacks are laid on the bank, with the help of which the river bottom is pierced with steel pipes. Water, partially filtered by sand and clay, enters the water intake facility through pipes. Here, with the help of grids and gratings, large mechanical impurities are retained. Further, the water enters the treatment plants, passes through numerous filters, is freed from the remaining suspension, while moving rather slowly and undergoing chemical treatment before entering the settling tanks. Then the water passes through filters, while the treatment facilities are able to retain 99% of the bacteria contained in natural water, and the water is considered drinking. However, in each city or village, the degree of purification, despite the all-Russian standards, may be different. The season also matters - during the flood, when melting snow penetrates the water intakes, the water will be dirtier and the risk of catching any infection increases.

Water from artesian wells comes in a slightly different pattern. Conventionally, it can be considered cleaner, because in this case, water is raised from a depth of 100, or even more meters- at this depth, it is sufficiently filtered by the soil and is less susceptible to pollution environment. Iron removal stations are usually installed on artesian wells, which allow you to remove excess salts and metals from the water, the rest of the cleaning is carried out according to the plan already described.

Water in the reservoirs is replenished due to the action of the water cycle in nature, including the “harvest” of melt and rain. IN last years due to destocking fresh water specialists are trying to implement artificial extraction of fresh water.

« According to various estimates, the share of fresh water in the total amount of water on Earth is 2.5-3%.

About 85-90% of fresh water is in the form of ice .

In connection with the expanding pollution of water sources, population growth, and the development of new territories, the task of artificially obtaining fresh water arises. This is achieved by:

— desalination sea ​​water, including solar desalination;

- condensation of water vapor from the air, using deep sea water;

– condensation of water vapor in daily cold accumulators, in particular - natural origin such as caves in coastal rocks» (Wikipedia)

In theory and in practice, all pollution, drain, waste, sewer water and other muck does not go anywhere forever, they remain on the planet, settle in a thick layer on the walls of reservoirs, wander with impurities in fresh water, in the end sometimes - in order to save money, wastewater is treated and re-entered into our faucet. If, nevertheless, part of the waste is able to transform quite noblely, becoming fertilizers, then there are chemical compounds that do not decompose into natural environment. They poison the entire ecosystem. Water affected by emissions from factories transmits the disease to the surrounding flora and fauna. And we, not only drink partially poisoned and insufficiently clean water (at times treated sewer), we also breathe emissions from enterprises, automobile exhausts.

In addition to all the delights of the water cycle in nature, we face an additional risk: if, after passing through the purification systems, city tap water can still be considered relatively clean, depending on the perfection of the equipment and the region, then after passing through pipes and all communications, it becomes “contaminated” by complete.

The urban system is something like a huge tubular web, no one cleans the pipes for decades, and no one will do it, as a result of the so-called "secondary pollution", the water comes to us charged with everything that steel tanks have accumulated in themselves. Rust, harmful impurities, construction debris, in case of violation of the insulation of sewer pipes - it is possible for sewage to enter the running water. Night water also contains an increase in the number of bacteria that accumulate as a result of fluid stagnation.

“Colonies of bacteria need stagnant water or at least its slow current to reproduce. Plus the opportunity to "settle" on a rough surface - well, they have it in rusty pipes - in order to grow and multiply. Chlorine, which is added to water at treatment plants, stays in it for quite a long time, but sooner or later it is consumed and simply ceases to act. That's when in the very center of the city there is a danger of picking up an infectious disease with tap water.

It is very dangerous if there are bacteria from the group of Escherichia coli and enteroviruses in tap water that infect gastrointestinal tract and the hepatitis virus. These micro-organisms enter water bodies where water is taken from, from city sewers; are washed away by rains and floods of rivers from fields that are fertilized with manure. In the water, pathogenic microflora begins to actively multiply, and the water has to be excessively chlorinated, especially during floods.

— O.V. Efremov, “Caution: the water we drink. Latest data, current research”

Cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, gastritis, duodenal ulcers, nephritis, hepatitis, metabolic disorders - all these diseases are often the result of drinking poor-quality water.

What water should be?

Pure. But since in the majority we are not free to influence the process of its purification ourselves, guided by our own standards, there are basic norms for all. In the normative document San-PiN 2.1.4.559-96 "Drinking clean water", the indicators of clean water are divided into four groups: epidemic, radiological, chemical, organoleptic.

“That is, we are talking about bacteriological safety, the absence of extraneous taste and smell, radiation that does not exceed the natural level, as well as the absence of chemically hazardous impurities.

According to these current standards and norms, high quality drinking water is:

water with appropriate organoleptic characteristics - transparent, odorless and with a pleasant taste;

water with pH = 7–7.5 and hardness not higher than 7 mmol/l;

water, in which the total amount of useful minerals is not more than 1 g / l;

water in which harmful chemical impurities either make up tenths to hundredths of their MPC, or are completely absent (that is, their concentrations are so small that they are beyond their determination by modern analytical methods);

water in which there are practically no pathogenic bacteria and viruses

At the same time, in Russia as a whole, every fourth sample of drinking water does not meet the hygienic requirements for sanitary and chemical ones, and every ninth one - according to the bacteriological indicators of the current standards.

— O.V. Efremov, “Caution: the water we drink. Latest data, current research”

Chlorine used to disinfect water (depending on water quality and infection status) locality- saturation with chlorine can be increased 6 times compared to the usual dose) will not save you from some pathogens, in addition - with frequent use of such water, the risk of oncological diseases, premature aging, cardiovascular diseases, dysbacteriosis increases. In general, chlorine is both a disinfectant and a poison.

“Chlorine is mutagenic and can cause infertility in men. Chlorinated water when washing the floor is absorbed through the skin (albeit a little, but we wash the floor often), and a little bit of chlorine gets into the air. Studies have found that frequent visits to the pool, where chlorine vapors are above the water, is tantamount to systematic smoking. The lungs are damaged, like a heavy smoker. Taking a bath with chlorinated water in terms of effects on the body is equal to ten liters of chlorinated water taken orally.

But that's not all. The danger is not limited to the fact that we drink water that has been treated with chlorine. Water must be purified not only for drinking, but also for domestic use.

According to SanPiN, the concentration of chlorine in tap water after disinfection is not dangerous for a healthy person. But! Only for healthy! Are there many healthy people in our country now?”

— O.V. Efremov

In general, you should not overdo it with Domestos for business purposes. But what about showering and bathing? There are special filters that are easily installed in the elements of the plumbing system and purify water from impurities, chlorine, etc. It’s just that, unfortunately, very often people begin to think about the seriousness of the problem and how to solve it when all the seriousness is already on the face, and in advance - many do not want to think. The sooner you install high-quality filters, the more health potential will remain unspent. Although there is also a point that you can make a business out of any fear. So dirty water and the fear of getting infected with something from its use are no exception. Variations of filters and "pseudo-filters" are now countless. Some, in addition to the banal sale of the product, are promoting an entire ideology to create a society where there is only clean water. Filters, water ionizers still worth choosing really and efficiently operating.

About how scammers deceive people by offering them dubious water filters

The method of water purification can be sorption, mechanical, ion-exchange.

How to choose a filter. Some tips in the video review

Regions with the cleanest and dirtiest water

“The most unfavorable in terms of the quality of tap water are the Northern, Far Eastern and Kaliningrad regions. According to the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Supervision, the very low quality of drinking water in Buryatia, Dagestan, Kalmykia, Primorsky Krai, Arkhangelsk, Kaliningrad, Tomsk, Omsk, Kemerovo, Kurgan, Kaluga, Saratov and Yaroslavl regions. In Kalmykia, Karelia and Karachay-Cherkessia, more than 70% of water samples do not meet sanitary standards and norms. The tap water of Yekaterinburg is recognized by experts as "technical", that is, not suitable for drinking and cooking.

According to experts from the Research Institute of Human Ecology, the most polluted tap water is in the northern and northwestern regions of Russia, since a significant number of various chemical and oil refineries are concentrated there.

According to the Moskompriroda, the water in the Moskva River belongs to pollution classes 4–6 (from polluted to very dirty). Moreover, over the past 12 years, the amount of sulfates that enter the Oka from wastewater from Moscow enterprises has increased 4 times, chlorides - 1.5 times. The content of iron, copper, nitrite nitrogen, phenol in water has greatly increased.

As a result of studies in nine cities of the Siberian region, it was found that the impact of polluted water on morbidity ranges from 7.7 to 41%. Every year the number of epidemic outbreaks of acute intestinal infectious diseases that are caused by transmission of infection through water"

— O.V. Efremov, “Caution: the water we drink. Latest data, current research”

Of the natural reservoirs, the cleanest are: lakes Baikal, Ladonezhskoye, Onega, Taimyr, Khanka, Chany (West Siberian region), Teletskoye ( Altai region), Svetloyar, Seliger (Tver region), lakes of Karelia.

Most clean rivers- small - in Siberia and on Far East. The dirtiest are Tom, Oka, Lena, Irtysh, Yenisei, Ob, Volga.

What are you proud of?

Russia by resources surface water takes leading place in the world. Only in unique lake Baikal contains about 20% of the world's fresh lake water reserves and more than 80% of Russia's reserves. With a total volume of 23.6 thousand km³, about 60 km³ of rare in purity is reproduced in the lake annually. natural water» (Wikipedia)

Baikal is generally a separate reason for pride , besides being the deepest and clear lake world, it is also a huge reservoir of fresh water.

It was a discovery for me how important good water is for flowers, or at least settled water. There was a period when I watered indoor plants with tap water - and they all started to get sick, the reason was not obvious. When I began to defend the water before watering - they appearance improved significantly. This is flowers. And what can we say about a person?

Summarizing. What can be done in a situation with "bad" water? In Africa, and such, even a liter of such water, there is a shortage ... Yes, and in villages where there is no running water - too. Do not wash the pipes now in some miraculous way from the inside. You can, of course, create innovative fantastic equipment that tests the inner surface of pipes from the inside and removes them in case of contamination. But the problem is not only secondary pollution… You can't change the whole system.

You can stock up on bottles of water extracted from a clean artesian well (water must be obtained from a well located at least 50 km away from the city and packaged there), you can put additional filters on taps, you can separately filter water in special tanks. So the problem is more solvable.