Herricks Community Water Quality Laboratory Report

Purpose of the Research

The purpose of this research was to better understand the quality of drinking water in our Herricks community and to raise awareness about how water safety directly impacts our health and well-being. I wanted to use this project not only as a scientific investigation but also as a way to bring neighbors together in a shared effort of learning and discovery. By collecting and analyzing household water samples, I aimed to identify potential risks such as elevated nitrate levels or low chlorine, highlight the importance of regular monitoring, and encourage community members to take proactive steps in safeguarding their water. This project also reflects my broader goal of combining science, service, and leadership—creating opportunities for students, families, and community members to work together in making informed choices that benefit everyone.

- Zinnia Ratra

(Research conducted July - August 2025)

Special thanks to Nasheela Khan, Sheila Subaiya, Jobin Arthungal from Hamilton Park and all the students and families of Herricks Community for donating your water samples for testing.

Research Question

How do water quality parameters from three different household samples compare to established safe ranges, and what are the potential health implications of any deviations?

Hypothesis

It is hypothesized that while most parameters will fall within safe ranges, some samples may show elevated nitrate levels or imbalances in chlorine, which could pose health risks.

Background Research

Water quality is a critical determinant of public health. Safe drinking water must comply with recommended ranges for parameters such as hardness, chlorine, nitrate, fluoride, pH, and others. Elevated nitrate levels can be harmful to infants, low chlorine can allow microbial contamination, and imbalances in pH can corrode pipes and leach metals. Regular monitoring is therefore essential.

Data Analysis

Graphical comparison of the samples is shown below:

Analysis of the Data

Sample 1 shows moderate hardness and balanced pH, but acceptable nitrate levels. Sample 2 shows elevated nitrate levels, which are concerning for long-term health. Sample 3 shows very low hardness and chlorine, which increases risks of corrosion and microbial growth, and also elevated nitrate levels. All three samples displayed acceptable pH values (7.5).

Conclusion

The water quality analysis demonstrates that while most parameters fall within safe ranges, nitrate levels in Sample 2 and Sample 3 exceed recommendations, and the absence of chlorine in all samples could pose microbial risks. Regular monitoring, treatment interventions, and community awareness are recommended to ensure long-term water safety.

References

American Chemical Society. (2023). Understanding the risks of pH imbalance and chlorine byproducts in water systems. Environmental Science & Technology Water. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsestwater.3c00664

Health.com. (2024a). Nitrate in water: What you need to know. Health. https://www.health.com/nitrate-7964076

Health.com. (2024b). Hard water vs. soft water: Which is better for you? Health. https://www.health.com/hard-water-vs-soft-water-8728030

Illinois Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Common substances in drinking water. Illinois Department of Public Health. https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/private-water/fact-sheets/common-substances-drinking-water.html

Labtech Tests. (n.d.). Common drinking water contaminants. Labtech Tests. https://www.labtechtests.com/page/Common_Drinking_Water_Contaminants.aspx

National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2022). Drinking water contaminants. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK579466/

Palintest. (n.d.). Understanding the risks of excessively high or low pH levels in water systems. Palintest. https://www.palintest.com/understanding-the-risks-of-excessively-high-or-low-ph-levels-in-water-systems/

Washington State Department of Health. (2022). Nitrate in drinking water (Fact Sheet 331-214). Washington State Department of Health. https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/Pubs/331-214.pdf