There is something really wrong here at the beginning. I'd like to see the stories of coal ash contamination... Water used to spin turbines in steam powerplants (gas/coal/nuclear, whatever) is actually demineralized so it does not damage the turbine itself - turbines are actually expected to work for 20+ years and the blades would be rusted much sooner and torn apart if the water had been contaminated. I'd gladly take a bath in demi-water.<br>In fact, I remember our professor telling us that the steam turbines in Iceland are very special - because they are powered by the impure steam that comes from the geothermal activity, they have much shorter lifespan than conventional turbines (only a few years) and not as much precision goes into their making so it can be economically sustainable.,(reply>), Agreed. Though feedwater isn't once-through, it's recirculated. This cooling water is just used in the condenser. No "coal ash" contamination possible.