Water Preservation Techniques: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Solutions

This report examines water preservation techniques, focusing on filtration methods like reverse osmosis and rainwater collection. It analyzes the benefits, such as providing a readily available water supply for residents, and drawbacks, including potential environmental impacts from pollutants like PFAS and the cost of maintenance. The report explores the implications of these techniques, considering both short-term and long-term perspectives, and evaluates the effectiveness of each method in addressing water scarcity. The analysis includes discussions on the limitations of filtration systems, the challenges of rainwater storage, and the potential health and environmental consequences. The report concludes by assessing the suitability of different approaches and suggesting sustainable solutions to ensure water quality and address water scarcity.

Running head: WATER P. TECHNIQUES 1
Water Preservation Techniques
Name
Institution
Water Preservation Techniques
According to the investigation, there are three kinds of sources of water supply;

WATER P. TECHNIQUES 2
household devices used for filtering water contamination, and rain collection via tanks. An
example of the household device that filters water is AXEON. The device makes use of a
Reverse Osmosis (RO) filtration technique. The standard of quality of water produced using
this device is the same as that of bottled water.
Benefits to Town Residents
The technique is very convenient for the residents. Because this device can produce
between forty-five to three hundred and forty litres of water in a day, the water is enough for
the resident hence allowing the residents to drink water whenever they want. In other words,
the device eradicates worries associated with lack of and scarcity of water; especially when
government supply is cut or delayed. Additionally, the technique eliminates any concerns
regarding the quality of water.
Implication of the Devices
Despite the benefits of the device, there a number of side effects of its usage. First,
impurities such as PFOS and PFOA cannot be treated since the government is upgrading the
treatment plant. Therefore, these impurities will definitely get back into the aquifer and the
underground water will be polluted again if residents continuously use these devices for two
years. The residents are going to consume thirty thousand cubic metres of water over the 2-
year period. The massive consumption is due to the high population in the area
(approximately12000 residents in the place). As a result, a considerable amount of
waste（PFAS（will be generated and come back into the aquifer.
Second, there is a vicious cycle in the use of the devices. The cost of replacing the
accessories of these devices is very high because the poor quality of the water causes the

WATER P. TECHNIQUES 3
equipment to overwork; which leads to a shortened service life of these accessories.
Definitely, the government has to pay much more for these devices.
Lastly, the chemicals of PFAS in water possibly exceed the standard level ((PFOS, 0.07
μg/L and PFOA, 0.56 μg/L) of Australian Drinking Water Guidelines according to the above
situation (Australian Government , 2011). That means that this water possibly cannot be used
in daily life. For example, the water cannot be used for irrigation. Otherwise, it can pollute
the soil. Furthermore, fruits and vegetables grown in gardens irrigated by this water cannot be
eaten anymore without causing health hazards. Some studies have reported that exposure to
PFAS over certain levels will lead to adverse health effects (ATSDR, 2018).
Rainwater Collection and usage
Due to the scarcity of storage facilities, the government needs to provide water storage
tanks. These tanks can be only put in the garden. Therefore, residents cannot plant trees,
fruits, vegetables, etc. Even worse, residents cannot enjoy their spare life in the garden with
their friends. The rainwater can be used in the dry season when residents lack water. For
long-term remedies, the method can be used. The rainwater can be used to wash cars,
cleaning houses, and water gardens.
In conclusion, this method is not suitable on a long-term basis. The most alternative
approach is the collection and usage of rainwater.
References
ATSDR. (2018, January 10). PFAS Health Effects. Retrieved from ATSDR:

WATER P. TECHNIQUES 4
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects.html
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (2011) . (2011). Retrieved from Australian
Government: https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/guidelines/publications/eh52