ACID RAIN AND THE COMPOSITION OF DRINKING WATER FROM GROUND WATER WELLS.

Acid rain and excessive carbon dioxide in air and rain may alter the composition of ground water so that the hazardous levels of toxic heavy metals may be mobilized. As the acidity of the water increases, more heavy metals may be dissolved during infiltration of rock formations. Additionally, corrosion of pipes, pressure tanks and faucets of the household distribution systems is greater with higher acidity. Excessive concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, copper, iron and lead are the most common hazards but other elements may be dissolved, also. Drinking water arsenic seems to be a sporadic hazard but can be serious. Copper shows dualism because small amounts are essential to the biosynthesis of hemoglobin yet higher levels may interfere with the functioning of carbonic anhydrase, the principal zinc enzyme.