Forward: Drinking water from wells and above ground sources contain a large number of contaminates. The EPA and state organizations are charged with assuring the quality of most public water sources. Most private wells are subject to no government oversight. It is up to the users to assure the quality of their water. Most drinking water contains some contaminants. Many contaminants are not controlled. It is often up to the end user to determine how much of these materials are safe for their family to ingest or use for bathing and clothes washing. The following is the current list of contaminates that have an upper limit set by the EPA. There are thousands of compounds that have not been tested for human toxicity.
It is worth noting that the EPA is required to perform a costs analysis to determine if the health risks and economic cost of controlling a contaminant is worth the money. If a friend or loved one becomes ill or dies your cost / risk analysis may not agree.
Section 1412(b)(3)(C) of the 1996 SDWA Amendments also requires EPA to prepare a Health Risk Reduction and Cost Analysis (HRRCA) in support of any NPDWR . EPA must analyze the quantifiable and non-quantifiable benefits that are likely to occur as the result of compliance with the proposed standard. EPA must also analyze any increased costs that will result from the proposed drinking water standard. EPA must also consider (a) incremental costs and benefits associated with a range of MCL values, (b) health effects to the general population and sensitive sub-populations, and (c) any increased health risk to the general population that may occur as a result of the new MCL. EPA may adjust the MCL for a particular class or group of systems to a level that "maximizes health risk reduction benefits at a cost that is justified by the benefits."
List of Contaminants & their Maximum Level allowed in drinking water follows:
Microorganisms Disinfectants Disinfection Byproducts Inorganic Chemicals Organic Chemicals Radionuclides
Microorganisms Contaminant MCLG1 (mg/L)2 MCL or TT1 (mg/L)2 Potential Health Effects from Long-Term Exposure Above the MCL (unless specified as short-term) Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water
Cryptosporidium zero TT 3
Gastrointestinal illness (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting, cramps)
Human and animal fecal waste
Giardia lamblia zero TT3
Gastrointestinal illness (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting, cramps)
Human and animal fecal waste
Heterotrophic plate count n/a TT3
HPC has no health effects; it is an analytic method used to measure the variety of bacteria that are common in water. The lower the concentration of bacteria in drinking water, the better maintained the water system is.
HPC measures a range of bacteria that are naturally present in the environment
Legionella zero TT3
Legionnaire's Disease, a type of pneumonia Found naturally in water; multiplies in heating systems
Total Coliforms (including fecal coliform and E. Coli) zero 5.0% Not a health threat in itself; it is used to indicate whether other potentially harmful bacteria may be present
Coliforms are naturally present in the environment; as well as feces; fecal coliforms and E. coli only come from human and animal fecal waste.
- Turbidity n/a TT3
Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of water. It is used to indicate water quality and filtration effectiveness (e.g., whether disease-causing organisms are present). Higher turbidity levels are often associated with higher levels of disease-causing microorganisms such as viruses, parasites and some bacteria. These organisms can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.
Soil runoff - Viruses (enteric) zero TT3
Gastrointestinal illness (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting, cramps)
Human and animal fecal waste
- Disinfection Byproducts Contaminant MCLG1 (mg/L)2 MCL or TT1 (mg/L)2 Potential Health Effects from Long-Term Exposure Above the MCL (unless specified as short-term) Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water
Bromate zero 0.010 Increased risk of cancer
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Chlorite 0.8 1.0
Anemia; infants & young children: nervous system effects
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) n/a6 0.0607
Increased risk of cancer
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) --> n/a6 --> 0.0807
Liver, kidney or central nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Disinfectants Contaminant MCLG1 (mg/L)2 MCL or TT1 (mg/L)2 Potential Health Effects from Long-Term Exposure Above the MCL (unless specified as short-term) Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water
Water additive used to control microbes
Chloramines (as Cl2) MRDLG=41 MRDL=4.01
Eye/nose irritation; stomach discomfort, anemia
Water additive used to control microbes
Chlorine (as Cl2) MRDLG=41 MRDL=4.01
Eye/nose irritation; stomach discomfort
Water additive used to control microbes
Chlorine dioxide (as ClO2) MRDLG=0.81 MRDL=0.81
Anemia; infants & young children: nervous system effects
- Inorganic Chemicals Contaminant MCLG1 (mg/L)2 MCL or TT1 (mg/L)2 Potential Health Effects from Long-Term Exposure Above the MCL (unless specified as short-term) Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water
Antimony 0.006 0.006
Increase in blood cholesterol; decrease in blood sugar
Discharge from petroleum refineries; fire retardants; ceramics; electronics; solder
- Arsenic 07 0.010 as of 01/23/06
Skin damage or problems with circulatory systems, and may have increased risk of getting cancer
Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards, runoff from glass & electronics production wastes
-Asbestos (fiber >10 micrometers) 7 million fibers per liter 7 MFL
Increased risk of developing benign intestinal polyps
Decay of asbestos cement in water mains; erosion of natural deposits
- Barium 2 2
Increase in blood pressure
Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits
- Beryllium 0.004 0.004
Intestinal lesions
Discharge from metal refineries and coal-burning factories; discharge from electrical, aerospace, and defense industries
- Cadmium 0.005 0.005
Kidney damage
Corrosion of galvanized pipes; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from metal refineries; runoff from waste batteries and paints
- Chromium (total) 0.1 0.1
Allergic dermatitis
Discharge from steel and pulp mills; erosion of natural deposits anti corrosive water treatment.
- Copper 1.3 TT7; Action Level=1.3
Short term exposure: Gastrointestinal distress
Long term exposure: Liver or kidney damage People with Wilson's Disease should consult their personal doctor if the amount of copper in their water exceeds the action level
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits
- Cyanide (as free cyanide) 0.2 0.2
Nerve damage or thyroid problems
Discharge from steel/metal factories; discharge from plastic and fertilizer factories
- Fluoride 4.0 4.0
Bone disease (pain and tenderness of the bones); Children may get mottled teeth
Water additive which promotes strong teeth; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories. It is illegal to dispose of via the drain but considered acceptable to add to drinking water !!!!
- Lead zero TT7; Action Level=0.015
Infants and children: Delays in physical or mental development; children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities
Adults: Kidney problems; high blood pressure
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits
- Mercury (inorganic) 0.002 0.002
Kidney damage
Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from refineries and factories; runoff from landfills and croplands
- Nitrate (measured as Nitrogen) 10 10
Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome.
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaking from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits
- Nitrite (measured as Nitrogen) 1 1
Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrite in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome.
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaking from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits
- Selenium 0.05 0.05
Hair or fingernail loss; numbness in fingers or toes; circulatory problems
Discharge from petroleum refineries; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from mines
- Thallium 0.0005 0.002
Hair loss; changes in blood; kidney, intestine, or liver problems
Leaching from ore-processing sites; discharge from electronics, glass, and drug factories
- Organic Chemicals Contaminant MCLG1 (mg/L)2 MCL or TT1 (mg/L)2 Potential Health Effects from Long-Term Exposure Above the MCL (unless specified as short-term) Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water
- Acrylamide zero TT8
Nervous system or blood problems; increased risk of cancer
Added to water during sewage/waste water treatment
- Alachlor zero 0.002
Eye, liver, kidney or spleen problems; anemia; increased risk of cancer
Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
- Atrazine 0.003 0.003
Cardiovascular system or reproductive problems
Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
- Benzene zero 0.005
Anemia; decrease in blood platelets; increased risk of cancer
Discharge from factories; leaching from gas storage tanks and landfills
- Benzo(a)pyrene (PAHs) zero 0.0002
Reproductive difficulties; increased risk of cancer
Leaching from linings of water storage tanks and distribution lines
- Carbofuran 0.04 0.04
Problems with blood, nervous system, or reproductive system
Leaching of soil fumigant used on rice and alfalfa
- Carbon tetrachloride zero 0.005
Liver problems; increased risk of cancer
Discharge from chemical plants and other industrial activities
- Chlordane zero 0.002
Liver or nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer
Residue of banned termiticide
- Chlorobenzene 0.1 0.1
Liver or kidney problems
Discharge from chemical and agricultural chemical factories
- 2,4-D 0.07 0.07 ( Take a good look at the contents of your Weed and Feed before you spread it on your lawn)
Kidney, liver, or adrenal gland problems
Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
- Dalapon 0.2 0.2
Minor kidney changes
Runoff from herbicide used on rights of way
- 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) zero 0.0002
Reproductive difficulties; increased risk of cancer
Runoff/leaching from soil fumigant used on soybeans, cotton, pineapples, and orchards
- o-Dichlorobenzene 0.6 0.6
Liver, kidney, or circulatory system problems
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
- p-Dichlorobenzene 0.075 0.075
Anemia; liver, kidney or spleen damage; changes in blood
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
- 1,2-Dichloroethane zero 0.005
Increased risk of cancer
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
- 1,1-Dichloroethylene 0.007 0.007
Liver problems
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
- cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene 0.07 0.07
Liver problems
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
- trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene 0.1 0.1
Liver problems
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
- Dichloromethane zero 0.005
Liver problems; increased risk of cancer
- Discharge from drug and chemical factories 1,2-Dichloropropane zero 0.005
Increased risk of cancer
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
- Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate 0.4 0.4
Weight loss, liver problems, or possible reproductive difficulties.
- Discharge from chemical factories Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate zero 0.006
Reproductive difficulties; liver problems; increased risk of cancer
Discharge from rubber and chemical factories
- Dinoseb 0.007 0.007
Reproductive difficulties
Runoff from herbicide used on soybeans and vegetables
- Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) zero 0.00000003
Reproductive difficulties; increased risk of cancer
Emissions from waste incineration and other combustion; discharge from chemical factories
- Diquat 0.02 0.02
Cataracts
Runoff from herbicide use
- Endothall 0.1 0.1
Stomach and intestinal problems
Runoff from herbicide use
- Endrin 0.002 0.002
Liver problems
Residue of banned insecticide
- Epichlorohydrin zero TT8
Increased cancer risk, and over a long period of time, stomach problems
Discharge from industrial chemical factories; an impurity of some water treatment chemicals
- Ethylbenzene 0.7 0.7
Liver or kidneys problems
Discharge from petroleum refineries
- Ethylene dibromide zero 0.00005
Problems with liver, stomach, reproductive system, or kidneys; increased risk of cancer
Discharge from petroleum refineries
- Glyphosate 0.7 0.7
Kidney problems; reproductive difficulties
Runoff from herbicide use
- Heptachlor zero 0.0004
Liver damage; increased risk of cancer
Residue of banned termiticide
- Heptachlor epoxide zero 0.0002
Liver damage; increased risk of cancer
Breakdown of heptachlor
- Hexachlorobenzene zero 0.001
Liver or kidney problems; reproductive difficulties; increased risk of cancer
Discharge from metal refineries and agricultural chemical factories
- Hexachlorocyclopentadiene 0.05 0.05
Kidney or stomach problems
Discharge from chemical factories
- Lindane 0.0002 0.0002
Liver or kidney problems
Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cattle, lumber, gardens
- Methoxychlor 0.04 0.04
Reproductive difficulties
Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on fruits, vegetables, alfalfa, livestock
- Oxamyl (Vydate) 0.2 0.2
Slight nervous system effects
Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on apples, potatoes, and tomatoes
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) zero 0.0005
Skin changes; thymus gland problems; immune deficiencies; reproductive or nervous system difficulties; increased risk of cancer
Runoff from landfills; discharge of waste chemicals
- Pentachlorophenol zero 0.001
Liver or kidney problems; increased cancer risk
Discharge from wood preserving factories
- Picloram 0.5 0.5
Liver problems
Herbicide runoff
- Simazine 0.004 0.004
Problems with blood
Herbicide runoff
- Styrene 0.1 0.1
Liver, kidney, or circulatory system problems
Discharge from rubber and plastic factories; leaching from landfills
- Tetrachloroethylene zero 0.005
Liver problems; increased risk of cancer
Discharge from factories and dry cleaners
- Toluene 1 1
Nervous system, kidney, or liver problems
Discharge from petroleum factories
- Toxaphene zero 0.003
Kidney, liver, or thyroid problems; increased risk of cancer
Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cotton and cattle
- 2,4,5-TP (Silvex) 0.05 0.05
Liver problems
Residue of banned herbicide
- 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 0.07 0.07
Changes in adrenal glands
Discharge from textile finishing factories
- 1,1,1-Trichloroethane 0.20 0.2
Liver, nervous system, or circulatory problems
Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories
- 1,1,2-Trichloroethane 0.003 0.005
Liver, kidney, or immune system problems
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
- Trichloroethylene zero 0.005
Liver problems; increased risk of cancer
Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories
- Vinyl chloride zero 0.002
Increased risk of cancer
Leaching from PVC pipes; discharge from plastic factories
- Xylenes (total) 10 10
Nervous system damage
Discharge from petroleum factories; discharge from chemical factories
-
Radionuclides Contaminant MCLG1 (mg/L)2 MCL or TT1 (mg/L)2 Potential Health Effects from Long-Term Exposure Above the MCL (unless specified as short-term) Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water
Alpha particles none7 ---------- zero 15 picocuries per Liter (pCi/L)
Increased risk of cancer
Erosion of natural deposits of certain minerals that are radioactive and may emit a form of radiation known as alpha radiation Beta particles and photon emitters none7 ---------- zero 4 millirems per year
Increased risk of cancer
Decay of natural and man-made deposits of
certain minerals that are radioactive and may emit forms of radiation known as photons and beta radiation
- Radium 226 and Radium 228 (combined) none7 ---------- zero 5 pCi/L
Increased risk of cancer
Erosion of natural deposits
- Uranium zero
30 ug/L as of 12/08/03 Increased risk of cancer, kidney toxicity Erosion of natural deposits
From EPA web site: http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/index.cfm
THE SOLUTION TO POLLUTION IS DILUTION
"Acceptable" levels of various pollutants have been established for some pollutants. Others are monitored and no levels established. Many are simply ignored. A time honored quick and dirty method to reduce pollution levels of process effluent or drinking water to acceptable percentage levels is to simply add more water. Many towns and cities obtain their water from multiple sources. If one source exceeds acceptable levels the water from this source is simply blended with the others reducing the concentration of the pollutant in question.
Creative book keeping is also an effective method of meeting standards. Many cities show periodic spikes in contaminant levels, indicating that the World War I-era plumbing and water treatment facilities still widely employed may be inadequate to handle contaminant spills or even the basic daily contaminant loads produced by our heavily industrialized, densely populated cities. Spikes above the EPA's standards generally don't trigger a violation; usually only an average level over the standard is considered a violation. If you happen to drink or give the water to your children during the spike that's your tough luck.
EPA ACE report.
The EPA has issued a draft report titled America’s Children and the Environment, Third Edition or ACE report.
This report has been vilified by the chemical industry for it's contents. It is worth while reading. We paid for it. . Read it here: http://www.epa.gov/ace/ace3draft/environments_contaminants.html
Of particular interest is the portion on drinking water: http://www.epa.gov/ace/ace3draft/draft_pdfs/ACE3DrinkingWaterContaminantsReviewPackage3-02-11.pdf
WHY IS OUR WATER POLLUTED?
Pollution comes from a variety of sources. Farming, mining, manufacturing, human waste and natural sources. Our water treatment and distribution systems have been designed and built gradually over the last century or more. On occasion the water leaving the treatment plant is acceptable. Unfortunately it can pick up pollutants as it travels through miles of pipes up to and including the plumbing in your home.
There is no conspiracy. The best efforts of the people involved in building and maintaining these systems is simply not good enough to provide safe water in the necessary quantities that our civilization demands. Hopefully someday we will be able to replace the existing system with a safe one. Until then it is up to the individual family to assure the purity of their water. The only way to achieve the goal is by using an effective multi stage water filter to purify your drinking and cooking water.
An example:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that between 500,000 and 1 million people were exposed to the contaminated water from 1953 to 1987. Some of the wells that supplied drinking water to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina were contaminated by cancer-causing solvents for as long as 60 years. This is happening all over the country. This water was at least sampled and some effort was made to trace and reduce pollution sources. Chances are your water is not as tightly managed as that from this military post.
Regardless of where you get your water I strongly recommend that you filter the water you use for drinking and cooking. I sell them, get yours from me or someone else. Do your friends and family a favor use purified water. Check out: http://donscycleware.com
Web Masters, you are welcome to link to this article.
