El Paso industrial water filtration systems meet various needs for separation and purification. However, if you are new to water filtration, you may wonder, “How do they work during a drought?” Reoccurring drought may impact water quality in various ways. What’s most worrisome is how unexpected the repercussions will be. Environmental scientists and engineers conduct ongoing investigations of water quality and ecological impacts, and the results during drought conditions never fail to astound them.

If you would like to learn more about industrial water filtration systems in El Paso, Clowe & Cowan has you covered. Contact us online or call (915) 593-8833 to learn more.

High Solute Concentration

A simple fact characterizes droughts: as water levels drop, solute concentrations like salt, minerals, and chemical discharge rise. Simply put, these chemicals remain in larger concentrations when less water is available to dissolve them. Another issue is that soils affected by drought produce more widespread runoff. This discharge gathers pollutants and solutes that are not typically present in non-drought situations.

During these occasions, you may notice an increase in unfavorable colors in the water, particularly haziness from suspended sediments, minerals, and pollutants. While some local governments reassure their citizens that the water may still be safe to drink, others are less certain.

Increased Temperature

Since fewer molecules exist in a water body during a drought, less energy is required to change its temperature. Furthermore, drought conditions typically develop during times of unusually high temperatures.

Both bacteria and certain algae species grow more rapidly at these high temperatures. As Australian researchers found, these algal blooms frequently produce hazardous substances that persist in soil concentrations and water sources for a considerable time after droughts. Agricultural runoff may make this issue worse, particularly during flash floods.

pH Fluctuations in Drought Water

Despite the variety of ways droughts affect water resources, a pattern emerges. Environmental elements, including microorganisms and soil conditions, may cause pH levels to change as water levels drop.

For instance, higher acidity can eliminate comparable chemicals and many buffering organisms. As this declines, pollutants like heavy metals may dissolve and seep into municipal supplies like lakes, streams, and groundwater tables.

Land Subsidence

Land subsidence, commonly referred to as land sinking, is another effect of depleted groundwater. The loss of volume that underground takes up below the surface and the lack of pressure cause soil to compress when groundwater reserves are not restored. 

Even once groundwater reserves are replenished, land subsidence can persistently harm groundwater aquifers, reducing capacity. Land subsidence can worsen if groundwater wells are continuously pumped, especially when there is a protracted drought like the one currently occurring in the western United States.

Infrastructure Damage

In general, land subsidence and seawater intrusion can harm vital infrastructure, particularly drinking water systems. Some water sources may become useless due to contamination from seawater intrusion, which can be expensive to remediate. This may need the construction of new systems and pipes that utilize diverse water sources.

Drought also causes water to stagnate, which allows bacteria and other microbes to flourish and contaminate drinking water sources. Groundwater reserves and other water system equipment, such as pumps, may be harmed by land subsidence. When the soil becomes compacted and sinks, it can also cause damage to underground pipes. This could lead to pipe breakage, which could harm other system components.

El Paso Industrial Water Filtration Systems

Industrial water filtration systems in El Paso are highly dependent upon natural causes and factors, the most crucial of which is drought. Call (915) 593-8833 for the most skilled and professional services in El Paso if you require commercial, industrial, or municipal water treatment.