- Selected Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Microorganisms
- Surface Water Treatment Rules
- Ground Water Rule
- Revised Total Coliform Rule And Total Coliform Rule
Gastrointestinal illness (such as diarrhea, vomiting, and cramps)
Human and animal fecal waste
Gastrointestinal illness (such as diarrhea, vomiting, and cramps)
Human and animal fecal waste
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
Legionnaire's Disease, a type of pneumonia
Found naturally in water; multiplies in heating systems
Total Coliforms (including fecal coliform and E. Coli)
Not a health threat in itself; it is used to indicate whether other potentially harmful bacteria may be present 5
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 is a measure of the cloudiness of water. It is used to indicate water quality and filtration effectiveness (such as 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.
Gastrointestinal illness (such as diarrhea, vomiting, and cramps)
Human and animal fecal waste
Disinfection Byproducts
- Quick reference guide: Stage 1 and 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rules
- Stage 1 and 2 Rules Summary
Increased risk of cancer
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Anemia; infants and young children: nervous system effects
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Increased risk of cancer
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Liver, kidney or central nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Disinfectants
- Quick reference guide: Stage 1 and 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rules
- Stage 1 and 2 Rules Summary
Eye/nose irritation; stomach discomfort, anemia
Water additive used to control microbes
Eye/nose irritation; stomach discomfort
Water additive used to control microbes
Anemia; infants and young children: nervous system effects
Water additive used to control microbes
Inorganic Chemicals
Increase in blood cholesterol; decrease in blood sugar
Discharge from petroleum refineries; fire retardants; ceramics; electronics; solder
- Quick reference guide
- Consumer fact sheet
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 and electronics production wastes
Increased risk of developing benign intestinal polyps
Decay of asbestos cement in water mains; erosion of natural deposits
Increase in blood pressure
Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits
Discharge from metal refineries and coal-burning factories; discharge from electrical, aerospace, and defense industries
Corrosion of galvanized pipes; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from metal refineries; runoff from waste batteries and paints
Discharge from steel and pulp mills; erosion of natural deposits
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
Nerve damage or thyroid problems
Discharge from steel/metal factories; discharge from plastic and fertilizer factories
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
- Quick reference guide
- Rule information
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
Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from refineries and factories; runoff from landfills and croplands
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
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
Hair or fingernail loss; numbness in fingers or toes; circulatory problems
Discharge from petroleum refineries; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from mines
Hair loss; changes in blood; kidney, intestine, or liver problems
Leaching from ore-processing sites; discharge from electronics, glass, and drug factories
Organic Chemicals, except for PFAS
Nervous system or blood problems; increased risk of cancer
Added to water during sewage/wastewater treatment
Eye, liver, kidney or spleen problems; anemia; increased risk of cancer
Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
Cardiovascular system or reproductive problems
Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
Anemia; decrease in blood platelets; increased risk of cancer
Discharge from factories; leaching from gas storage tanks and landfills
Reproductive difficulties; increased risk of cancer
Leaching from linings of water storage tanks and distribution lines
Problems with blood, nervous system, or reproductive system
Leaching of soil fumigant used on rice and alfalfa
Liver problems; increased risk of cancer
Discharge from chemical plants and other industrial activities
Liver or nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer
Residue of banned termiticide
Liver or kidney problems
Discharge from chemical and agricultural chemical factories
Kidney, liver, or adrenal gland problems
Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
Minor kidney changes
Runoff from herbicide used on rights of way
Reproductive difficulties; increased risk of cancer
Runoff/leaching from soil fumigant used on soybeans, cotton, pineapples, and orchards
Liver, kidney, or circulatory system problems
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Anemia; liver, kidney or spleen damage; changes in blood
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Increased risk of cancer
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Liver problems; increased risk of cancer
Discharge from drug and chemical factories
Increased risk of cancer
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Weight loss, liver problems, or possible reproductive difficulties.
Discharge from chemical factories
Reproductive difficulties; liver problems; increased risk of cancer
Discharge from rubber and chemical factories
Runoff from herbicide used on soybeans and vegetables
Reproductive difficulties; increased risk of cancer
Emissions from waste incineration and other combustion; discharge from chemical factories
Runoff from herbicide use
Stomach and intestinal problems
Runoff from herbicide use
Residue of banned insecticide
Increased cancer risk, and over a long period of time, stomach problems
Discharge from industrial chemical factories; an impurity of some water treatment chemicals
Liver or kidneys problems
Discharge from petroleum refineries
Problems with liver, stomach, reproductive system, or kidneys; increased risk of cancer
Discharge from petroleum refineries
Kidney problems; reproductive difficulties
Runoff from herbicide use
Liver damage; increased risk of cancer
Residue of banned termiticide
Liver damage; increased risk of cancer
Breakdown of heptachlor
Liver or kidney problems; reproductive difficulties; increased risk of cancer
Discharge from metal refineries and agricultural chemical factories
Kidney or stomach problems
Discharge from chemical factories
Liver or kidney problems
Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cattle, lumber, gardens
Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on fruits, vegetables, alfalfa, livestock
Slight nervous system effects
Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on apples, potatoes, and tomatoes
Skin changes; thymus gland problems; immune deficiencies; reproductive or nervous system difficulties; increased risk of cancer
Runoff from landfills; discharge of waste chemicals
Liver or kidney problems; increased cancer risk
Discharge from wood preserving factories
Problems with blood
Liver, kidney, or circulatory system problems
Discharge from rubber and plastic factories; leaching from landfills
Liver problems; increased risk of cancer
Discharge from factories and dry cleaners
Nervous system, kidney, or liver problems
Discharge from petroleum factories
Kidney, liver, or thyroid problems; increased risk of cancer
Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cotton and cattle
Residue of banned herbicide
Changes in adrenal glands
Discharge from textile finishing factories
Liver, nervous system, or circulatory problems
Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories
Liver, kidney, or immune system problems
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Liver problems; increased risk of cancer
Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories
Increased risk of cancer
Leaching from PVC pipes; discharge from plastic factories
Nervous system damage
Discharge from petroleum factories; discharge from chemical factories
Selected Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Immune, liver and kidney effects; potential concern for cancer
Developmental effects following repeated exposure during pregnancy and/or childhood
Immune, thyroid, and liver effects
Developmental effects following repeated exposure during pregnancy and/or childhood
Elevated cholesterol levels and immune and liver effects
Developmental effects following repeated exposure during pregnancy and/or childhood
Cardiovascular, immune and liver effects; increased incidence of certain types of cancers including kidney and testicular
Developmental and immune effects following repeated exposure during pregnancy and/or childhood
Cardiovascular, immune and liver effects; increased incidence of certain types of cancers including liver
Developmental and immune effects following repeated exposure during pregnancy and/or childhood
Radionuclides
- Quick Reference Guide
- Radionuclides Rule Information and Summary
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
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
Increased risk of cancer
Erosion of natural deposits
30 ug/L as of 12/08/03
Notes
- Maximum Contaminant Level Goal ( MCLG ) - The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety and are non-enforceable public health goals.
- Maximum Contaminant Level ( MCL ) - The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology and taking cost into consideration. MCLs are enforceable standards.
- Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal ( MRDLG ) - The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
- Treatment Technique ( TT ) - A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
- Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level ( MRDL ) - The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
2 Units are in milligrams per liter ( mg/L ) unless otherwise noted. Milligrams per liter are equivalent to parts per million ( PPM ).
3 EPA's surface water treatment rules require systems using surface water or ground water under the direct influence of surface water to
- Disinfect their water, and
- Filter their water, or
- Meet criteria for avoiding filtration so that the following contaminants are controlled at the following levels:
- Cryptosporidium: Unfiltered systems are required to include Cryptosporidium in their existing watershed control provisions
- Giardia lamblia: 99.9% removal/inactivation.
- Viruses: 99.99% removal/inactivation.
- Legionella: No limit, but EPA believes that if Giardia and viruses are removed/inactivated, according to the treatment techniques in the Surface Water Treatment Rule, Legionella will also be controlled.
- Turbidity: For systems that use conventional or direct filtration, at no time can turbidity (cloudiness of water) go higher than 1 Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) , and samples for turbidity must be less than or equal to 0.3 NTUs in at least 95 percent of the samples in any month. Systems that use filtration other than the conventional or direct filtration must follow state limits, which must include turbidity at no time exceeding 5 NTUs .
- Heterotrophic Plate Count ( HPC) : No more than 500 bacterial colonies per milliliter.
- Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment: Surface water systems or groundwater under the direct influence ( GWUDI ) systems serving fewer than 10,000 people must comply with the applicable Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule provisions (such as turbidity standards, individual filter monitoring, Cryptosporidium removal requirements, updated watershed control requirements for unfiltered systems).
- Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule: This rule applies to all surface water systems or ground water systems under the direct influence of surface water. The rule targets additional Cryptosporidium treatment requirements for higher risk systems and includes provisions to reduce risks from uncovered finished water storage facilities and to ensure that the systems maintain microbial protection as they take steps to reduce the formation of disinfection byproducts.
- Filter Backwash Recycling: This rule requires systems that recycle to return specific recycle flows through all processes of the system's existing conventional or direct filtration system or at an alternate location approved by the state.
4 No more than 5.0% samples total coliform-positive ( TC-positive ) in a month. (For water systems that collect fewer than 40 routine samples per month, no more than one sample can be total coliform-positive per month.) Every sample that has total coliform must be analyzed for either fecal coliforms or E. coli if two consecutive TC-positive samples, and one is also positive for E.coli fecal coliforms, system has an acute MCL violation.
5 Fecal coliform and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Disease-causing microbes (pathogens) in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. These pathogens may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune systems.
6 Although there is no collective MCLG for this contaminant group, there are individual MCLGs for some of the individual contaminants:
- Trihalomethanes: bromodichloromethane (zero); bromoform (zero); dibromochloromethane (0.06 mg/L ): chloroform (0.07 mg/L .
- Haloacetic acids: dichloroacetic acid (zero); trichloroacetic acid (0.02 mg/L ); monochloroacetic acid (0.07 mg/L ). Bromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid are regulated with this group but have no MCLGs.
7 Lead and copper are regulated by a treatment technique that requires systems to control the corrosiveness of their water. If more than 10% of tap water samples exceed the action level, water systems must take additional steps. For copper, the action level is 1.3 mg/L , and for lead is 0.015 mg/L .
8 Each water system must certify, in writing, to the state (using third-party or manufacturer's certification) that when acrylamide and epichlorohydrin are used to treat water, the combination (or product) of dose and monomer level does not exceed the levels specified, as follows:
- Acrylamide = 0.05% dosed at 1 mg/L (or equivalent)
- Epichlorohydrin = 0.01% dosed at 20 mg/L (or equivalent)
9 Health Based Water Concentration (HBWC) - To calculate the Hazard Index, a ratio is developed for each PFAS by dividing the measured level of the PFAS in drinking water by the level below which adverse health effects are not likely to occur (i.e., the Health Based Water Concentration).
