The color and odor indicate contamination. The large amount of soluble
solids is suspicious. The blackening of the residue during ignition
shows the presence of organic matter in solution. The large amount of
combustible and volatile matter is a grave indication. Because the
alkalinity exceeds the hardness, it shows the presence of an alkaline
carbonate, which is a suspicious circumstance, since it may result from
the decomposition of animal matter. The amount of chlorine is unusually
large. I think the average for well water is about one grain. The large
quantity of chlorine and the presence of alkaline carbonates point very
strongly to the stable, privy, sewer, or cess-pool. The amount of nitric
acid is large, though this alone may not mean much, yet joined with the
other results it has much significance. The amount of ammonia is more
than twice the quantity that ought to condemn a water absolutely. The
small amount of free ammonia and the large quantity of albuminoid ammonia
show that a large amount of organic matter is present and decaying
slowly. As the weather becomes warm, the proportion of free ammonia will
increase. Bacteria are always associated with putrefaction and conditions
of hygienic importance.
Infusoria are never generated except in organic solutions. They are
abundant in all fresh water wherever organic matter is held in solution,
also in stagnant water.
From the large amount of chlorine and the presence of alkaline
carbonates, it would appear that the water is contaminated with animal
rather than with vegetable matter.
This water is unfit for domestic uses.