Recycled Water for Fire Fighting - Term Paper Example

Research Report Recycled Water for Fire Fighting Name Tutor Course Date Objectives Stating the barriers that have prevented fire departments from using recycled water instead of normal water in fire fighting operations Analyzing the possibility to address the problems associated with the use of recycled water in this field. To make a conclusion on some suggestions to encourage using recycled water in fire fighting operations. Introduction Water is an essential commodity, recycling it can be of great importance. Water to be recycled comes from storms, treated sewage, rainwater, and grey water. The treatment of water before discharge to river system is vital in maintaining ecosystems as any alteration can cause extinction or death of some of the microbial organisms. An ever-increasing population in the world requires sufficient and clean water. The quality and quantity of clean drinking and supply of water in the world generally has to be put into consideration if sustainability is to be achieved (Tchobanoglous & Stensel, 2007). Waste disposal in many developing and less developed countries is a major cause of insufficient and unclean drinking water. Wastewater regulation imposed by governments should be put in place to avoid instances of microbial diseases. Exploitation of water resources and management of available systems is essential in maintenance of sustainable water for the entire population. The safety of recycled water can be increased to help in catering for the needs of the increasing water demand. Upon achieving sustainable water management systems fire fighting departments can be at its maximum efficiency as the problem of water shortage will have been solved. Communal health and its protection can be achieved through the establishment of water control and management systems that will ensure safe water for human and animal use (John, 1995). Health departments have been promoting water recycling schemes; this reduces complications in communal health and guarding of natural water sources. Firefighting department prioritizes water use as many fires can be extinguished using water. Operational regulation is the principle behind the departments’ objectives in achieving their goals. Witnessing, documentation of potential hazards and evaluation of threats, that unsafe water they pose to the society and the entire environmental surroundings (Spalding, 2009). Difference between hazard and threat should be established for a better understanding. A threat refers to the possibility of recognized hazards that may bring about harm if exposed to the population in a given period. There are emerging issues when it comes to the use of recycled water for firefighting purposes. Health issues have been raised when the water is used to fight fires; the problems affect the entire population negatively. This report identifies and expounds on these matters .recycling water poses hazard to the population, the hazard can be; biotic, chemical, physical, or radioactive agents. The above-mentioned hazards can cause impairments to animals, people, plants, aquatic organisms and soil (Addiscott & Benjamin, 2004). It is important to note the preventive measures against fires in order to create a sustainable environment. In addition, the need to have environmental friendly fire control methods makes it important to use eco-friendly resources. However, it is the urgency to conserve natural resources like water which makes the fire mitigation technique to incorporate water recycling which could on the other hand be released in an environment where the particular resource is limited. The findings of the study are important for future construction projects, which are anticipated to follow the example, by making of the inexhaustible resource in the appropriate and effective means possible. Issues of water as a natural resource are important hence development of awareness in many governments. The inadequate rainfall, climate change and the limited fresh water are the main reasons propelling the concerned to address the issues. Due to this fact, scientific researchers found that it was important to find alternative of water supply. They also search to reduce the waste water, using modern technologies. Recycled water is an effective method that has been used to attain both the decrease of the drinking water exhaustion and the search of a new resource to be utilized instead of fresh water. This can then be used in agriculture; industrial applications i.e. cooling operations and also in fire fighting, depending on the process being conducted. Literature Review Water is very useful in human activities and the entire environment. Thus, its recycling is also essential as utilization is possible from fire fighters, fire fighters and government emergency amenities for: training amenities for the fire fighting process, regulating fire disasters and the analysis and maintenance of the fire regulation systems. There are many Work-related Health and Safety concepts to check out when coming up with recommendations on the standard exploitation threat level of exposure of recycled water for firefighting purposes. It is Important to approve that, procures are carried out to reduce incidental exposure, aerosol inhalation or ingestion and also accidental splashing onto individuals (WHO, 2012). The country’s legislations insists and advocates that the recycled water for firefighting purposes and domestic utilization is treated to a certain standard whereby incidental exposure i.e. by either aerosol inhalation, accidental splashing or ingestion is not voluntary to cause a noteworthy health impact to the employees or workers (Dixon, Butler, & Fewkes, 2008). Actually, this is not what is under practice on the ground. The dangers that are caused by recycled water may be categorized into different ways. The different ways of harmful effects of recycled water that affect human population include incidents where: people unexpectedly take recycled water for instance by taking water from the tanker or hose containing recycled, the storage of water in fire appliance which are later on let into the surrounding environment or consumed unexpectedly. The impacts of recycled water utilization for the purposes of fire fighting As stated above, there are many impacts that come because of using recycled water for fire fighting. They include: The health of human population The most probable harmful effect found in recycled water is microorganisms that have the ability to cause harmful health impacts. There is high probability of having high amounts of disease causing microorganisms in storm water, sewage water and grey water. The disease causing microorganisms’ volume is facilitated by the number of humans or animals producing the faucal matter (Addiscott & Benjamin, 2004). When such microorganisms get access into the body systems, they multiply and cause hazardous infections and diseases such as fungal infections, typhoid, amoebic infections, cholera, and diarrhea in both animals and man (WHO, 2012). The condition and health of the environment The dangers present in the environment are mostly of physical or chemical danger types. The source of the recycled water should get examined in by the point that, the chemical or physical dangers in the water has increased ability of affecting the surrounding environment compared to the society. The major dangerous materials that are found in recycled water include; nitrogen, chloride & sodium salts, boron, hydraulic load, cadmium, salinity and chlorine disinfection residues (Moore, 2003). The types of water and the possible dangers Storm water Water that has been utilized in animal keeping entities may contain disease causing microorganisms, turbidity, and pharmacological residue products. Ground run-off from forests, plantations etc. may contain chemicals like pesticides and insecticides. Water that has been released from companies may contain organic chemicals and heavy metals that include arsenic chemicals, cadmium, halogenated organics, preservatives, chromium etc (Moore, 2003). The wrong and unacceptable sewage connections may consist of disease causing microorganisms, heavy metals, and detergents. The chemical dangers The utilization of recycled water creates an opportunity for exposure to many chemical pollutants which include organic chemicals, potential endocrine disruptors, mineral chemicals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals & disinfection byproducts and insecticides. Ground run-off from a fire is well analyzed as unavoidable and it is expected generally that the impacts of the use of recycled water itself is not important (Moore, 2003). With reference to the manner in which a particular emergency occurs, the quality of the ground run-off from a place will depend mostly on the constituents and chemicals involved compared to the high quality recycled water that is utilized for the purposes of fire fighting (Leishman & Thomson, 2004). The various means that can be applied in ensuring that the effects of the run-off are regulated consists of: Spread of recycled water awareness initiatives to educate fire fighters on the appropriate uses of recycled water Implementing harmless operating practices for workers who are direct contact with recycled water Carrying out training drills for the fire fighters on areas with vegetation or with fire water run-off where it is applicable and record keeping of the tankers containing recycled water with appropriate posters on them. Improving and maintaining standard operating procedures certifying appropriate environmental and health important factors: Instrument development achieved by the systematic reviews, management of the recycled water consumption to reduce the environmental impacts including the creation of a site administration plan where important and incorporation with the water utilities and finally the consideration & continuous reporting of the regularity & the amount of applications where recycled water is utilized for training and fire fighting practices. Methods and Data The information used in this research was sourced primarily and secondarily. Primarily was through an attempt to collect significant and acceptable first hand information, the process entailed contacting the Queensland government rural fire advisory council. It depended on the information given in the organization’s website, from officials within the organization in order to come up with significant information considering the organization’s operation, which included the fire fighting ventures. Secondarily was through the gathering of information from published research in significant magazines, documented films on the You Tube, significant reports from international organizations and recently published books. The study was applicable to entities such as Environmental Protection Agencies, Fire Department, and the Department of Water & Sanitation. Examination of all the information collected was conducted in order to understand the reasons of advising the government on the utilization of recycled water in fire fighting purposes. Actually, the study was based on relevant information from previous environmental and fire fighting studies that had already been conducted and published in books, journals, specialized magazine articles, government reports, relevant organizational reports and posted on the internet. The collected information was analyzed, examined, compared and developed into a conclusion concerning the effectiveness of the utilization of recycled water for firefighting purposes to achieve the objective of water sustainability. This study highlighted the causes that help avoid the use of recycled water for the purpose of fire fighting. It evaluation was based on Australian context coming up with conclusions that are also applicable in other countries with the same problem of water shortage. Analysis, Results and Discussion The services of firefighting departments have been useful to the population for various. Some of the reasons include; community and individual welfare for economic improvement and sustenance of generations to come, equal distribution of services, and lastly biodiversity safeguard and uphold of biological progression. The mentioned purposes can be achieved through monitoring, evaluation and judgment by the respective governments. Environmental impact assessment tests need to be carried on areas where industries or companies are to be set; this is to avoid negative impacts to the environment (Dixon, Butler, & Fewkes, 2008). Preventive measure ought to be put in place to prevent and regulate the impacts of chemicals to the environment. Chemicals can bring a significant negative impact on human health; the chemicals can derived from wastewater that is not treated to international disposal standards. Although recycled water has low chemicals, precautions should be taken into consideration to avoid the chances of environmental distortion. The concentration of chemicals in recycled water due to the fact that effective treatment lowers the concentration (Dixon, Butler, & Fewkes 2008). There are instances where small treatment plants and onsite recycling plants are at risk of susceptible to chemical exposure. Big plants and domestic effluents as well as industrial effluents released to rivers and other water bodies can damage aquatic fauna. Unlawful release of effluents to the water bodies should be careful observed by the responsible authorities’ .the careful watch is vital if such bodies are used as a source of water to be recycled. Precautionary measures need undertaking for onsite systems, which get achieved through establishment of strict rules to the partisans in the systems. Avoiding improper disposal of domestic effluents is important to reduce water spoilage (Casanova, Little, Frye, & Gerba, 2001). Chemical and microbial threats on grey water should be contained as much as possible to reduce the cropping of microbial diseases. The concentrations of such hazards should be at its minimum level possible for reduction of negative impacts caused by such hazards. Strategies and instructions to firms dealing with grey water should be put in place for proper handling of grey water to achieve safe drinking and water for other uses (Addiscott & Benjamin, 2004). The directives include; discard of laundry water from washing faucal garments, detergents used should have low phosphates, boron, and sodium concentrations, garden chemicals should be discarded in a biodegradable manner and finally kitchen wastes should not be disposed in grey water systems. Public behavior need to be organized for reduction in misuses and improper disposal of wastes. Hazard concentrations should be analyzed in handling the hazard concentration before discharge (Bridges, 2003). Water and waste treatments should be at optimal level for hazard reduction to be achieved. Environmental guideline standards should articulate clearly for the people and practitioners in recycling systems (Tchobanoglous & Stensel, 2007). Standards are based on the knowledge of features that do not cause or pose a threat to the environment. The procedures that can be used in safeguarding recycled water for firefighting include: Distinction of water source The most vital point is the establishment of water origin. Water comes from different sources therefore bringing different threats to recycled water. The hazards can be reduced if the source of water is established. The complication degree can undergo management after the source is established or predetermined. Knowing intended use The diversity in water use can bring out many pathways in which the water can be recycled. The end or where the effluents get discharged, the surroundings receiving the recycled water and location of recycled water can be vital in getting water for firefighting (Bridges, 2003). The establishment of threats, many endpoints is the most necessary components in determining health related threats. Ends need proper establishment in identification of threat to human population. The threat evaluation can be known to affect the air, plants, animals, soil, and grey water for reuse, aquatic organisms, terrestrial organisms and infrastructure (Bridges, 2003). Barrier efficiency Enteric pathogens are eliminated in the process of water recycling as the procedure are precise and perfect if well followed to the latter. The calculations involved in these systems are to minimize the impacts caused by bacteria. This proves to be a challenge in many recycling plants due to design and operation. The treatment plants emphasizes on the conversion of enteric hazardous enteric pathogens to harmless microorganisms (Casanova, Little, Frye, & Gerba, 2001). There are many reports that point out the potential ability the treatment plants have in killing and incapacitation of microorganisms. The design of such systems should be one that can clearly eliminate all pathogenic microorganisms. Platoons, disinfection and filtration are some of the principles used in removal of the pathogens unsafe to human and animals as well (Leishman & Thomson, 2004). Conclusion and Recommendation Conclusion Recycling water gives a chance to reduce excess pressure that is put on water supply and the relevant institutions. The health of the population is the priority as much as many people are involved in water recycling. The day to day life is dependent on the use of water; hence the safety of the water should be the most prioritized objective. There are enteric and pathogenic microorganisms that have caused loss of lives in most developing and less developed countries for example Congo in the year 2011 (John, 1995). Continued research needs to be carried out to get safe recycled water for human and animal consumption. After the safety of water is determined authorization for firefighting purposes. The methods involved in conversion of unsafe to safe water are costly but there are alternatives that can be embraced and still the same result is achieved an example is in most Arabian nations, oil reserves are used to cleanse water. The cost benefit analysis of such practice proves it to be a costly and unnecessary process as cheaper methods are available for use. Recommendations The operational procedures recommended include; During firefighting firefighters should take bottled water if the areas are in dual reticulation. For decontamination purposes bottled portable water should be used. During cleaning of wounds and first aid of drenching burns portable water should be used, but in most cases the main agenda is to cool the burns. Incase bottled water lacks Class A+ recycled can be used. Where recycled water has been used the burn can be later washed with drinking water and note given to paramedics on the type of water used (The State of Queensland, Environmental Agency, 2005). Where recycled water has been used the burn can be later washed with drinking water and a note given to paramedics on the type of water used. When the firefighters are through with their work they should take shower with potable water. Education and training procedures should developed for firefighters in operations using Class A+ recycled water (Arris Pty Ltd, 2007). Applications in treatment plants should comply with international environmental agency policies. Conjunction procedures should be undertaken to ensure the water is safe for fire fighters and the population as a whole. Development of new method in water recycling is crucial in sustenance of water systems. Governments in developing nations should encourage proper waste disposal techniques. Bibliography AFAC, 2010, ‘steering committee report’ Health Risk Analysis for fire fighters using class A recycled water for firefighting operations , Queensland Government: Department of Emergency Services, pp. 7-14. Arris Pty Ltd 2007, Rewater: Farming with recycled water, viewed on 2 October 20 http://www.recycledwater.com.au/uploads/File/newsletters/rewater_Feb%2007%20%2 %29.pdf Bridges, O, 2003 , Chemosphere , viewed October 2, 2012, from Double trouble: health threats of accidental: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6V74- . Casanova LM, L. V ,2001, ‘ A survey of the microbial quality of water ’, Journal of the American Water Resources Association, pp. 1313–. Dixon AM, B. 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Sala, L & Serra, M , 2004, ‘Towards sustainability in water recycling’, Water science and technology, vol.50, no.2, pp. 1-7. The State of Queensland, Environmental Agency 2005, Queens Water Recycling Guide, viewed on 2 October 2012, http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/water/regulation/recycling/pdf/recycle_guidelines.pdf World Health Organization ,2012 , viewed on October 2nd 2012, Global Evaluation of the State of the Science of: http://www.who.int/ipcs/publications/new_matters/endocrine_disruptors/en/index.html Read More