BUILDING PUBLIC TRUST
          ing Water Standards

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  Every year, all water suppliers that serve the same people year round
  must prepare a consumer confidence report, or water quality report,
for their customers. The report tells customers where their drinking water
             |f£%ja& and how they can protect it This booklet contains
                                          mer confidence reports

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 Contra Costa Water District's Open Door Policy
 The Contra Costa Water District serves 450,000 people in
 California's central and eastern Contra Costa County.
 When water system officials produced the 2002
 Consumer Confidence Report, they knew it was important
 to their customers. So they included a section, "How to
 Get Involved In the Quality of Your Water." The section
 includes the times and places of water district board of
 directors meetings and city council meetings, and
 instructions for requesting agendas. The report also lists
 names and phone numbers of contact people in each city
 or water district population.
                          our customers Bet out of the tap every day-"
                                                                           us weded to
The contact people listed in the report are not public information specialists, Oltman says. Rather, "They're
w er qua ty people at the plants, so callers are going directly to the source. They are talking to he peopTe
who sample and test the water. They are getting first-hand information"                      nspeopie


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                                     Oilman says the Contra Costa Water District consistently has
                                     public participation in meetings. In addition to listing meeting
                                     info in the CCRs, they include a calendar in their newsletters and
                                     other publications. Members of the public have responded by
                                     calling and attending meetings. They raise issues of local
                                     concern and even respond to news articles on national water
                                     issues, such as  conservation.
                                     The district also published a Spanish-language report and plans
                                     to do it again next year. The English-language CCR states how to
                                     request copies and how to reach a bilingual staff member with
                                     any questions. "It helps to have somebody speaking Spanish
                                     answering the phone," Qltman says.
                                     Regardless of language, what helps Contra Costa connect is a
                                     personal touch.  "We wanted people to feel comfortable calling
                                     up and asking questions about their drinking water. When you
                                     have somebody's name, you feel right off the bat more
                                     comfortable picking up the phone and calling."
Ei  Paso  Water  Utilities' Curious Customers

All drinking water contains naturally occurring minerals and other substances. Often, substances have no
harmful effects, but lead to interesting questions from the public.
"We receive a number of calls related to lithium," says John Balliew, water systems division manager of El
Paso Water Utilities. A small amount of lithium, a chemical sometimes used to treat mental illness, occurs
naturally in El Paso's water. Although the amount is much smaller than a medical dose, the lithium does
generate interest. "Periodically the newspaper will run an article," Balliew says. "There's speculation that it
corresponds with a low rate of violent crime here. People call up, even from other countries, saying they've
heard about it, is it correct?"       .                               ,
                                                 To put it into perspective, the utility's 2002
                                                 Consumer Confidence Report has a Frequently Asked
                                                 Questions section that includes, "Is lithium present
                                                 in El Paso's Water? Does it have an effect on
                                                 people's moods?" The answer puts numbers into  .
                                                 context. "To get the same amount of lithium as in
                                                 one standard capsule, you would have to drink about
                                                 600 glasses of water."

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Curious reporters and members of the public seem
to appreciate the information, Balliew says. "Most
people that have called in and talked to us about it
find it very helpful."

Another issue the Frequently Asked Questions sets
straight is the hardness of El Paso water. "The soft
water/hard water issue gets batted  around a lot
because there are a lot of salespeople around selling
water .softeners," says Balliew. "Most people, if you
ask them, why do you have a water treatment
system, or buy bottled water, the number one
response is taste. 'Number two is hardness."

The OCR describes El Paso's water as "moderately hard to hard," based on. calcium and magnesium
content. The report explains that although excessively hard water can cause corrosion in pipes and cause
faster wear of certain appliances, the utility does not recommend that customers install water softeners.

"I think it helps the consumer save money," Baliiew says. "We're just trying to tell the consumer that they
should really think twice about accepting that type of information (from salespeople)."
Des  Moiiies Water Works Promotes Prevention

In Iowa's Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, nitrate contamination has been on an upward trend for nearly
three decades,  reaching record levels in 2001. It's been a well-publicized issue, raising concern among
                                       community members and prompting farmers to rethink their
                                       practices. There have also been beach closings and warnings
                                       not to swim in waters because of £ coli. So Des Moines
                                       Water Works devoted its entire front page to source water
                                       contamination and what people can do to prevent it.

                                       "DMWW strongly believes that people need to understand the
                                       problem before they can become part of the solution," says
                                       Melissa Sharer of Des Moines Water Works' communications
                                       staff. "DMWW tries to provide its customers with concrete
                                       ideas for prevention strategies by explaining the source water
                                       contaminants and then suggesting specific steps that can be
                                       taken to prevent pollution."

                                       The report explains how nitrates, bacteria and other
                                       contaminants can enter ground water and surface water
                                       sources, and describes how individuals can make a difference
                                       at home and in the community. It also tells readers how to

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   order copies of source water assessments. This information involves readers personally, enticing them to
   turn the page and leam about the quality of their drinking water.

   In addition to consumer confidence reports, Des Moines Water Works routinely educates customers
   through its monthly newsletter, annual report, and various fact sheets distributed throughout the year.
   Information is designed for all ages, from elementary schoolchildren to adult customers.

   The education campaign has paid off. In a recent survey of its customers, Des Moines Water Works ranked
   highest in terms of reliability regarding water quality and safety information sources. The utility ranked
   ahead of-television, newspapers, government agencies, and health care professionals. Customers said they
   appreciated that the information from the utility came from within, not an outside public relations company
   repackaging the information with a positive spin. One respondent said the utility was "good in informing
   public when, and if, there could be any problem in the quality of water."
 United Water (Delaware: Honesty Wins Trust

 United Water Delaware provides water services tb 103,000 people in New Castle County When a
 treatment technique violation occurred in 2001, public water system officials immediately coordinated with
 the health department and notified their consumers. The 2002 Consumer Confidence report included
 detailed information about the turbidity violation. As required by the CCR regulation, it also included a clear
 explanation of what happened, what actions were taken immediately to notify customers, locate and fix the
 problem. The report explained that the turbidity had not interfered with disinfection/and there was
 adequate chlorine residual to ensure that there was no risk to public health.

 Plant manager Dave Fournier says that years ago,  most public water system officials were reluctant to
 disclose information on violations, wary of backlash from a frightened public. Today, with annual CCRs and
 improved public notification requirements and customer relations,."there is much more focus on ethics and
 reporting.

 "There's a definite correlation between honesty and building public trust," Fournier says. "When something
 does go wrong, they want to know if a utility is hiding anything. Our public perception is very important We
 find it better to take a proactive approach, rather than sitting there waiting for the public to let us know."

 In  addition to reassuring customers, Fournier says the CCR is~a vehicle for encouraging them to think about
their environment and where their water comes from. For example, it helps them understand whether a
problem has originated at the treatment plant or pollution of the water source. "It might encourage them to
start thinking about.taking care of their water sources and environment."

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 Consumer Confidence Report  Major Requirements

 Community Water Systems (CWS) with 15 or more connections or serving at least 25 year round residents
 must prepare and distribute a OCR to all billing units or service connections.

   •  April 1—Deadline for CWS that sells water to another CWS to deliver the information necessary for
     the buyer CWS to prepare their CCR (req. outlined in 40 CFR 141.152)
   •  July 1—Deadline for annual distribution of CCR to customers and State or local primacy agency for
     report covering January 1 - December 31 of previous calendar year
   •  October1—(or 90 days after distribution of CCR to customers, whichever is first)—Deadline for annual
     submission of proof of distribution to State or local primacy agency
   •  A system serving 100,000 or more persons must also post its current year's report on a publicly
     accessible site on the Internet. Many systems choose to post their reports at the following EPA
     website http://yosemlte.epa.gov/ogwdw/ccr.nsffamerica
   •  All systems must make copies of the report available on request

 Water System  Information
   •  Name/phone number of contact person
   •  Information on public participation opportunities (time and place for meetings or hearings)
   •  Information for non-English speaking populations (if applicable)
Source of Water
   • Type (ex. ground water or surface water), commonly used name, and location of water sources (ex.
    Potomac River; Snake River Plain Aquifer, etc.) (Exact locations/coordinates of wells and intakes
    should not be included for security reasons.)
   • Availability of source water assessment
   • Brief summary on potential sources of contamination (if available)

Definitions
   • Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
   • Maximum Contaminant level Goal (MCLG)
   • Treatment Technique (Tl) (if applicable)
   • Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) (|f applicable)
   • Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) (if applicable)
   • Action Level (AL) (if applicable)
   • Variances and Exemptions (if applicable)

Detected Contaminants
   • Table summarizing data on detected regulated and unregulated contaminants that were detected during
    the last round of sampling
   • Known or likely source of each detected contaminant
   • Health effects language for any violations, exceedances or when Arsenic levels are > 0.010 mg/L or <,
    0.05 mg/L                      ;

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   • Information on Cryptosporidium, Radon, and other contaminants (if applicable)

Compliance with Drinking Water Regulations
   • Explanation of violations, length of violations, potential health effects, and steps taken to correct the
    violations                       '                                   •
   • Explanation of variance/exemption (if applicable)

Required Educational Information
   • Explanation of contaminants and their presence in drinking water including bottled water
   • Warning for vulnerable or immunocompromised populations about Cryptosporidium
   • Informational statements on arsenic, nitrate, lead, and TTHM (if applicable)
   •EPA'S Safe  Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791  .                .
Comparisons Help  Readers Visualize Numbers

Often the measures used for detected contaminants are confusing to consumers. Terms such as one part
per million and one part per billion are hard to visualize and grasp. Consider using comparisons to explain
the contaminant amounts found in water:
Think of one part per million as:
     •   1 inch in 16 miles
     •   1 minute in 2 years
   .  •   1 cent in $10,000                 •
Think of one part per billion as:         ;  .
     •   1 inch in 16,000 miles            ,                       '                              '
     •   1 second  in 32 years                                 .
     •'  1 cent in $10 million

Using these comparisons may help your customers understand the significance of a detected level in your
drinking  water.                      :       .                       .
V

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^^^ys^^^^^W'if^^'^^^'^^'^^^^v^11^
m<^Nmm^mymff.
^w^f«pa«ss»:s»«5ifa»«
?wo^oc8ss::.the'-prr/atam!tgo4o!
National Primary Drinking Water Standards
jj Contaminant *** ^ 1
w
^
."expolure atove the MCL' ',*".•„.
Common sources of * „,, v jhiMie. i
contaminant in drinking water; , Health Goal
Microorganisms
Cryptosporidium
Giardia lamblia
Heterotrophic plate
count (HPC)
TV
TT3
TT3
Gastrointestinal illness (e.g.,
diarrhea, vomiting, cramps)
- Gastrointestinal illness (e.g.,
diarrhea, vomiting, cramps)
HPC has no health effects; it is an
analytic method used to measure
Human and fecal animal waste zero
Human and animal fecal waste zero
HPC measures a range of n/a
bacteria that are naturally
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. •'
                                          present in the environment

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Vffwsr-*' ^ -5
eCflntanmrant „ MCiorTT1
E8i^^v'W)»
'.egionella TT3
Total Conforms 5.0%4
Including feca!
coliform and £ coli)
Potential health effects from
exposure above the MCL *",
Legionnaire's Disease, a type of
pneumonia
Not a health threat in itself; it is
used to indicate whether other
. potentially harmful bacteria may
be present5
^Common sources of J* >, Public
contaminant in drinking water ^ Hcnltli Goal1
Found naturally in water;
multiplies in heating systems
Coliforms are naturally present
in the environment as well as
feces; fecal conforms and
£ coli only come from human
and animal fecal waste.
zero
zero
Turbidity
  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
                                                                                                n/a
         ' PouiitiaJlwafo effects'from'*"   7"
          exposure anove the MCL  ^ _  _ ,i:
                                                                   on sources of  *w  „    ~ "*~ Pottfe* ,
                                                                                            Health Goal
Viruses (enteric)
                      TT3
          Gastrointestinal illness (e.g.,
          diarrhea, vomiting, cramps)
                                                              Human and animal fecal waste
Disinfectants
Chloramines
(as CI2)
Chlorine
(asCI2)
MRDL=
4.0'
MRDL=
4.01
Eye/nose irritation; stomach
discomfort, anemia
Eye/nose irritation; stomach
discomfort
Water additive used to control
microbes
Water additive used to control
microbes
MRDLG
=41
MRDLG
=4'
Chlorine dioxide
(asCIOZ)
MRDL=   Anemia; infants & young children:
  0.8'     nervous system effects
Water additive used to control    MRDLG
microbes       .                 =0.8'
Disinfection Byproducts
Bromate.
                     0.010    Increased risk of cancer
                                           Byproduct of drinking water
                                           disinfection

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'Contaminant
Chlorite
•laloacetic acids
HAA5)
Total Trihalo-
methanes
TTHMs)
"'MCI or IT1
1.0
0.060 .
0.10
0.080
after
12/31/03
iPotentiafbeartfreffects from "*
exposure above the MCL ,
Anemia; infants & young children:
nervous system effects
Increased risk of cancer
Liver, kidney or central nervous
system problems; increased risk
of cancer
Common sources or „ :
contaminant in drinking water ,
Byproduct of drinking water
disinfection
Byproduct of drinking water
disinfection
Byproduct of drinking water
disinfection
Jullic '
Health Goal,
0.8
n/a6
n/a6
norganic Chemicals , ,
 Antimony
                      0.006    Increase in blood cholesterol;
                               decrease in blood sugar
                                                                   Discharge from petroleum
                                                                   refineries; fire retardants;
                                                                   ceramics; electronics; solder
                                  0.006
 Arsenic
                       0.0.10    Skin damage or problems with
                       as of    circulatory systems, and may have
                      1/23/06   increased risk of getting cancer
                                                                  Erosion of natural deposits;
                                                                  runoff from orchards, runoff
                                                                  from glass & electronics
                                                                  production wastes
h Contaminant,
                     MCL or IT'  Potential health effects from
                                exposure above the MCL
• Barium
Common, sources of     "*    v     Puttie  ,
contaminant in drinking water     Health Goaf
 Asbestos             1 million   Increased risk of developing benign  Decay of asbestos cement in       7 MFL
 (fibers > 10         fibers per   intestinal polyps                   water mains; erosion of
 micrometers)       Liter (MFL)                     ,      .          natural  deposits
                        2      Increase in blood pressure
                                                                   Discharge of drilling wastes;
                                                                   discharge from metal refineries;
                                                                   erosion of natural deposits
 Beryllium
                       0.004    Intestinal lesions
                                                                  Discharge from metal
                                                                  refineries and coal-burning
                                                                  factories; discharge from
                                                                  electrical, aerospace, and
                                                                _ defense industries
                                                                                                    0.004
 Cadmium
                       0.005    Kidney damage
                                                                  Corrosion of galvanized pipes;
                                                                  erosion of natural deposits;
                                                                  discharge from metal refineries;
                                                                  runoff from  waste batteries
                                                                  and paints
                                                                                                    0.005

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Chromium (total)
Copper
Cyanide (as free
cyanide)
Fluoride

Lead
Mercury (inorganic)
Nitrate (measured
as Nitrogen) •

i^j^'*?^!^?^?^*^^^^^^^^*^"^^^^^^ U
0.1 Allergic dermatitis Discharge from steel and 0.1 I
pulp mills; erosion of natural 1
deposits I
TT7; Short term exposure: Gastro- Corrosion of household 1.3 1
Action intestinal distress. Long term plumbing systems; erosion
Level = exposure: Liver or kidney damage, of natural deposits
. 1.3 People with Wilson's Disease
should consult their personal
doctopif the amount of copper in
their water exceeds the action level
0.2 Nerve damage or thyroid problems Discharge from steel/metal , 0.2
factories; discharge from
plastic and fertilizer factories
4.0 Bone disease (pain and tenderness Water additive which promotes 4.0
of the bones); Children may get strong teeth; erosion of natural
mottled teeth deposits; discharge from
' fertilizer and aluminum factories
i/fctarTT' Pa'teniial health effects from , Common sources of Pubhe 1
(mg/L)z closure above the MCL contaminant in drinking water Health Goal
TT7; Infants and children:-Delays in Corrosion of household zero
Action physical or mental development; plumbing systems; erosion
Level = children could show slight deficits of natural deposits
0.015 in attention span and learning
abilities; Adults: Kidney problems;
high blood pressure
0.002 Kidney damage Erosion of natural deposits; ( 0.002
discharge from refineries and
factories; runoff from landfills
and croplands
10 • Infants below the age of six Runoff from fertilizer use; 10
months who drink water containing leaching from septic tanks,
nitrate in excess of the MCL could sewage; erosion of natural
become seriously ill and, if deposits
untreated, may die. Symptoms
include shortness of breath and
blue-baby syndrome.

















*


.     \
                       ..

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                                                                       '*&-.
                                                                         'i
. Contaminant . H/ICl or 1-T*
B8Jtf«*;'-''fr«ffl'
Nitrite (measured 1
as Nitrogen)
Potential health effects from
exposure above the MCL
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.
Common sources of ^ _ Public
contaminant 10 drinking wafer Health Goal)
Runoff from fertilizer use; 1
leaching from septic tanks,
sewage; erosion of natural
deposits
 Selenium              0.05     Hair or fingernail loss; numbness
                                in fingers or toes; circulatory
                                problems
                                                                 Discharge from petroleum
                                                                 refineries; erosion of natural
                                                                 deposits; discharge from  mines
                                                                              0.05
 Thallium
                      0.002
                                Hair loss; changes in blood; kidney,
                                intestine, or liver problems
                                                                 Leaching from ore-processing     0.0005
                                                                 sites; discharge from electronics,
                                                                 glass, and drug factories
 Organic Chemicals
 Acrylamide
                       TT8
                               Nervous system or blood problems;
                               increased risk of cancer
                                                                 Added to water during sewage/    zero
                                                                 wastewater treatment
                               Potential health effects from.
                                                                                       5    *   'rfte-
                                                                contaminant in drinking water     Health Goal
Alachlor
                      0.002    Eye, liver, kidney or spleen
                               problems; anemia; increased risk
                               of cancer
                                                                 Runoff from herbicide used
                                                                 on row crops
Atrazine
                      0.003
          Cardiovascular system or
          reproductive problems
                                                                 Runoff from herbicide used on
                                                                 row crops
                                                                                                 0.003
Benzene
                     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)
0.0002    Reproductive difficulties; increased
          risk of cancer
                                                                 Leaching from linings of water
                                                                 storage tanks and distribution
                                                                 lines
Carbofuran
                      0.04
          Problems with blood, nervous
          system, or reproductive system
                                                                Leaching of soil fumigant used
                                                                on rice and alfalfa
                                                                                                 0.04
Carbon tetrachloride   0.005     Liver problems; increased risk
                               of cancer
                                                                Discharge from chemical plants    zero
                                                                and other industrial activities

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Ijnntaniinant
Chlordane
Chlorobenzene
2,4-D
Dalapon
1,2-Dibromo-3-
chloropropane
(DBCP) • ,
IWM.orTT'
0.002
0.1
0.07
0.2
0.0002
Potential health effects, from
exposure above the MCL
Liver or nervous system problems;
increased risk of cancer
Liver or kidney problems
Kidney, liver, or adrenal gland
problems
Minor kidney changes
Reproductive difficulties;
increased risk of cancer
Common sources of < Public :'
contaminant in drinking water ' HealS Goaf
Residue of banned termiticide zero
Discharge from chemical and 0.1
agricultural chemical factories
Runoff from herbicide used on 0.07
row crops
Runoff from herbicide used on 0.2
rights of way
Runoff/leaching from soil zero
fumigant used on soybeans,
cotton, pineapples, and
orchards
o-Dichiorobenzene      0.6
                               Liver, kidney, or circulatory system   Discharge from industrial
                               problems                      .    chemical factories
0.6
fpGont9piiif9iii "" !
p-Dichlorobenzene
1,2-Dichloroethane
1,1-Dichloroethylene
cis-1,2-
Dichloroethylene
trans-1,2-
Dichloroethylene
Dichloromethane
1,2-Dichloropropane
MCI am'
0.075
0.005
0.007
0.07
0.1
0.005
0.005
1 Potential beaith.eflects from B
exposure sham the MCL
Anemia; liver, kidney or spleen
• damage; changes in blood
Increased risk of cancer
Liver problems
Liver problems
Liver problems
Liver problems; increased risk
of cancer
Increased risk of cancer
Common sources of
contaminant in drinking: water
Discharge from industrial
chemical factories
Discharge from industrial
• chemical factories
Discharge from industrial
chemical factories
Discharge from industrial .
chemical factories
Discharge from industrial
chemical factories
Discharge from drug and
chemical factories
Discharge from industrial
. chemical factories
" Public
Health Goal
0.075
zero
0.007
0.07
0.1
zero
zero

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Lpontaminant f ^
m$*$kvk%s£S^ i1*
Di(2-ethylhexyl)
adipate
Di(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate
Dinoseb
Dioxin
(2,3,7,8-TCDD)
Diquat
Endothall
Endrin


ipichlorohydrin
Ethylbenzene
Ethylene
dibromide
ilyphosate
^ptachlor
ML at tt' Potential health effects from
, •'- (mS/lj2 exposure above the MCL
0.4 Weight loss, liver problems, or
possible reproductive difficulties
0.006 Reproductive difficulties; liver
problems; increased risk of cancer
0.007 Reproductive difficulties
0.00000003 Reproductive difficulties;
increased risk of cancer
0.02 Cataracts
0.1 Stomach and intestinal problems
0.002 Liver problems

§^.VvT\tVi,>^-tw'i!;.i?.-toW'Bii'^^fc=a^fl^..^-u
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Hexachlorobenzene 0.001
Hexachlorocyclo- 0.05
pentadiene
Lindane 0.0002
Methoxychlor 0.04

Potential health effects from
exposure above the MCI
Liver or kidney problems;
reproductive difficulties;
increased risk of cancer
Kidney or stomach problems
Liver or kidney problems
Reproductive difficulties •

Comujait sources, of Bunho j,
contaminant in drinking water Health Goal
Discharge from metal zero
refineries and agricultural
chemical factories
Discharge from chemical 0.05
factories '
Runoff/leaching from 0.0002
insecticide used on
cattle, lumber, gardens
Runoff/leaching from 0.04
insecticide used on fruits,
vegetables, alfalfa, livestock
Oxamyl (Vydate)
                        0,2     Slight nervous system effects
                                           Runoff/leaching from
                                           insecticide used on apples,
                                           potatoes, and tomatoes
                                  0.2
 Pentachlorophenol
0.001    Liver or kidney problems;
         increased cancer risk
Discharge from wood
preserving factories
' Picloram
                        0.5     Liver problems
                                                                  Herbicide runoff
                                                                                                    0.5
 Polychlorinated       0.0005    Skin changes; thymus gland        Runoff from landfills;
 biphenyls (PCBs)               problems; immune deficiencies;     discharge of waste
                                reproductive or nervous system     chemicals
                                difficulties; increased risk of
 Simazine
                       0.004 •   Problems with blood
                                                                  Herbicide runoff
                                                                                                   0.004
 Styrene
                        0.1
         Liver, kidney, or circulatory
         system problems
Discharge from rubber and
plastic factories; leaching
from landfills
                                                                                                    0.1
 Tetrachloroethylene    0.005    Liver problems; increased risk of
                                cancer
                                           Discharge from factories and
                                           dry cleaners.

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Toluene
Toxaphene
2,4,5-TP (Silvex)
1,2,4-
Trichlorobenzene
1,1,1-
Trichloroethane
1,1,2-
Trichloroethane-

i
' Trichloroethylene
Vinyl chloride
1 Nervous system, kidney, or liver
problems
0.003 Kidney, liver, or thyroid problems;
increased risk of cancer '
0.05 Liver problems
0.07 Changes in adrenal glands
0.2 Liver, nervous system, or
circulatory problems
0.005 Liver, kidney, or immune system
problems

t (BCLorTT1 Potential Health effects from k*f"
• (mgll)2 exposure above the NIDI *
0.005 Liver problems; increased
• risk of cancer
0.002 Increased risk of cancer
Discharge from petroleum
factories
Runoff/leaching from
insecticide used on cotton
and cattle
Residue of banned herbicide
Discharge from textile
finishing factories
Discharge from metal
degreasing sites and .
other factories
Discharge from industrial
chemical factories

Common sources of
contaminant in drinking water
Discharge from metal
degreasing sites and
other factories
Leaching from PVC pipes;
discharge from plastic
factories
1
zero
0.05
0.07
0.20
0.003

Health Goal
zero
zero
• Xylenes (total)
10      Nervous system damage
Discharge from petroleum
factories; discharge from
chemical factories
                                                                                                 10
 Radionuclides
 Alpha particles      •   15      Increased risk of cancer
                    picocuries
                    per Liter
                     (pCi/L)
                                        Erosion of natural deposits of
                                        certain minerals that are
                                        radioactive and may emit a
                                        form of radiation known as
                                        alpha radiation

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                                       Potential tiealth'Bffecfs from
                                              j above the MCL
 cnntpminant m drinking water     Health Goal
       Beta particles and       4       Increased risk of cancer
       photon emitters      millirems
                            per year
 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) '
5 pCi/L
Increased risk of cance?
Erosion of natural deposits
zero
       Uranium             30 ug/L    Increased risk of cancer,
                              as of   '  kidney toxicity
                            12/08/03
 Erosion of natural deposits
u—,—	
       Notes

       1  Definitions                              '                                                  '      .         •
          •  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. MROLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial
             contaminants.          •     '    •
          •  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:
          •  Treatment Technique (TT)—A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
       2  Units are in milligrams per liter (mg/L) unless otherwise noted. Milligrams per liter are equivalent to parts per million (ppmj.
       3  EPA's surface water treatment rules require systems using  surface water or ground water under the direct influence of
          surface  water  to (1) disinfect their water, and (2) filter their water or meet criteria  for avoiding filtration so that the
          following contaminants are controlled at the following levels:
          •  Cryptosporidium (as of1/1/02 for systems serving > 10,000 and 1/14/05 for systems serving <10,000) 99% removal.
          •  Giardia lamb/is: 99.9% removal/inactivation
          •  Viruses: 99.99% removal/inactivation                .        ''        .
          •  Legionalla: No limit, but EPA believes that if Giardia and viruses are removed/inactivated, Legionella will also be controlled.

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    •  Turbidity: At no time can turbidity (cloudiness of water) go above 5 nephelolometric turbidity units (NTU); systems that
      filter must ensure that the turbidity go no higher than 1 NTU (0.5 NTU for conventional or direct filtration) in at least 95%
      of the daily samples in any month. As of January 1, 2002, for systems servicing > 10,000, and January 14,2005, for systems
      servicing <10,000, turbidity may never exceed 1 NTU, and must^ot exceed 0.3 NTU in 95% of daily samples in any month.
    •  HPC: No more than BOO bacterial colonies per milliliter
    •  Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment (Effective Date: January 14,2005|; Surface water systems or (GWUDI) systems
      serving fewer than 10,000 people must comply with the applicable Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule provisions
      (e.g. turbidity standards, individual filter monitoring, Cryptosporidium removal requirements, updated  watershed control
      requirements for unfiltered systems).                              • •
    •  Filter Backwash Recycling: The Filter Backwash Recycling 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-pdsitive 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 conforms  or E call if two consecutive TC-positive samples, and one is also
   positive for E.coli fecal conforms, systetn has an acute MCI violation.
5  Fecal coliform and £  coll 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:              .   .
   • Halqacetic acids: dichloraacetic acid (zero); trichlorpacetic acid (0.3 mg/L)
   • Trihalomethanes:  bromodichloromethane (zero); bromoform (zero); dibromochloramethane (0.06 mg/L)
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 manufacturers certification) that when it uses
   acrylamide and/or epichlorohydrin 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).         .       ..                      .

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National  Secondary Drinking Water Standards

National Secondary Drinking Water Standards are non-enforceable guidelines regulating contaminants that may
cause cosmetic effects (such as skin or tooth discoloration) or aesthetic effects (such as taste, odor, or color) in
drinking water. EPA recommends secondary standards to water systems but does not require systems to comply.
However, states may choose to adopt them as enforceable standards.
                                                  I
   Aluminum
   Chloride '
   Color
   Copper
   Corrosivity
   Fluoride
   Foaming Agents
   Iron
   Manganese
   Odor
   pH
   Silver
   Sulfate
  Total Dissolved Solids
   Zinc
                                        0.05 to 0.2 mg/L
                                        250 mg/L
                                        15 (color units)
•1.0 mg/L
                                        noncorrosive
                                        2.0 mg/L
                          ^^
 0.5 mg/L
 0.3 mg/L
 0.05 mg/L
                                        3 threshold odor number
                                        6.5-8.5
 0.10fng/L
 250 mg/L
 500 mg/L
 5 mg/L
                                                                                                                                     X

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       For More Information

  EPA Office of Ground Water & Drinking Water
          www.epa.gov/safewater
Safe Drinking Water Hotline * 1-800-426-4791
       EPA/OGWDW (202) 564-3750
               Office of Water (4606M)  .
             EPA 816-K-03-D03 •  June 2003
                                                                         •V. •

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