Computer 7 QuickQuest

WaterQuest
Computer 7 QuickQuest
Mrs. Bonnie Lang
School District of Gilman
Gilman, Wisconsin


Scenario

You are done playing dodge ball at noon hour in the gym and you are hot and sweaty! You go to get a drink of water to quench your thirst. As you lean over the drinking fountain, you look at the water coming out, you’re thirsty, you can’t wait, but—is it safe to drink?

Did you ever wonder how safe the school’s water supply is to drink? Is the water warm? Does it smell? Is it discolored? Did it taste good or bad? If you ever experienced any of these conditions, did you ever wonder why?

In this WaterQuest, you will work with a partner to find out if the school’s water is safe to drink. The water is supplied by the Village of Gilman and is monitored by the Gilman Waterworks Department.



Task

Define:
Potable water
Safe Water Drinking Act of 1996
EPA

Use the websites listed below each question to help find information about each.

1 What chemicals and minerals or contaminants are commonly found in water?

2 What are acceptable limits of contaminants?
2006 Annual Drinking Water Reporthttp://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/dwg/report.pdf
Groundwater & Drinking Water Quality Health Standards/Advisories http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/dwg/health/haltable.htm
3. How are levels of contaminants monitored by the state? In your town?
Groundwater & Drinking Water Quality Health Standards/Advisories http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/dwg/health/haltable.htm


4. View the Consumer Confidence report using the criteria: Gilman, Taylor County
Consumer Confidence Reporthttp://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/dwg/data.htm

5. What does the report indicate about the Gilman Waterworks?

6. Are any measures taken in your school building to guarantee drinkable water?

Read the School District of Gilman’s Compliance Report

7. What recommendation would you make to principal about the school’s drinking water?


Product

Write a letter to the school’s principal explaining your investigation, process, findings, and recommendation. Follow the format guide for letters and address the letter to:

Miss Dawn Randall, Principal
School District of Gilman
325 North Fifth Avenue
Gilman, WI 54433

Your letter will be evaluated using the WaterQuest Rubric.