Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What kind of water do you usually drink at home?
- How do people in your home make drinking water safe?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- chlorine /KLAWR-een/
[noun] – a chemical used to kill harmful bacteria in water
The swimming pool uses chlorine to keep the water clean. - pipe /pahyp/
[noun] – a long tube that carries water or gas from one place to another
The worker repaired a pipe under the street to stop the leak. - microplastic /MAHY-kroh-plas-tik/
[noun] – a very small piece of plastic that can be found in water or the environment
Scientists found microplastic in samples taken from the ocean. - pitcher /PICH-er/
[noun] – a container used to hold and pour liquids such as water or juice
The waiter brought a pitcher of cold lemonade to the table. - cartridge /KAHR-trij/
[noun] – a small container inside a device that holds a substance used for a specific purpose
The coffee machine needs a new filter cartridge to keep the water clean.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Interest in tap water safety and water filters has increased in the United States as many households consider whether extra treatment is necessary. Public drinking water is regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act, which allows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set safety standards for more than ninety contaminants, including chemicals, microbes, and metals. Water utilities treat drinking water with disinfectants such as chlorine before water reaches homes. These treatments reduce harmful bacteria and other pollutants. Most public utilities meet federal standards, so tap water is generally safe in many communities. However, old pipes and building plumbing can affect water quality at the faucet. Annual Consumer Confidence Reports provide information about detected contaminants and safety results. Increased awareness of PFAS chemicals and lead has also raised interest in household water filtration products.
Some households use laboratory testing kits to learn more about water quality. These tests can detect metals, microplastics, and chemical byproducts from water treatment. Test results may help households decide whether a filter is necessary. Basic carbon filters, often used in pitchers or faucet devices, can reduce chlorine and improve taste or odor. More advanced systems, such as reverse osmosis units, can remove additional substances but often require higher costs and installation. Experts say filtration systems should match specific water concerns because different filters target different contaminants. Poor maintenance can reduce filter effectiveness and allow bacteria to grow in old cartridges.
Some households use laboratory testing kits to learn more about water quality. These tests can detect metals, microplastics, and chemical byproducts from water treatment. Test results may help households decide whether a filter is necessary. Basic carbon filters, often used in pitchers or faucet devices, can reduce chlorine and improve taste or odor. More advanced systems, such as reverse osmosis units, can remove additional substances but often require higher costs and installation. Experts say filtration systems should match specific water concerns because different filters target different contaminants. Poor maintenance can reduce filter effectiveness and allow bacteria to grow in old cartridges.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- In which country has interest in tap water safety increased?
- What law regulates public drinking water in the United States?
- What do water utilities use to treat drinking water before it reaches homes?
- What problem can affect water quality at the faucet?
- What can happen if water filters are not maintained properly?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever used a water filter at home? If so, what kind of filter did you use? If not, would you like to try a water filter? Why?
- Have you ever read or heard news about water safety in your city? If so, what did the news say about the water? If not, where do you usually get information about health or safety?
- Do you agree that people may use water filters to improve taste or smell?
- Why might some people still use a filter even when tap water is safe?
- How can people protect their health when they are not sure about water quality?