our Drinking Water Safe? ------- ------- Most Americans believe their drinking water is the best in the world. Servicemen and their families, vacationers, tourists, and others who travel abroad know the familiar problems of unsafe drinking water. At home we scarcely give it a thought. We believe that the purity of our water can be depended upon. And usually we are right. But there are exceptions. These cases are serious enough to have moved the Congress of the United States to enact a far-reaching program to ensure that our drinking water is as good as we think it is. This new program—and what it means to your health—is the subject of this pamphlet. ------- The Problem If our water is good, why do we need a new program to protect it? The reason is that the situation has been changing dramatically during recent decades. Our sources of water supply are being endangered by hundreds of new chemicals and pollutants every year. In addition, some of our water treatment facilities have not kept pace with the technology required to remove the increasing amounts of chemical or microbiological contamination. During these same years, our ability to detect contaminants has been improving. Modem science is now equipped to identify specific chemicals in terms of billionths of parts of the water being tested. In some cases, scientists can measure them in trillionths. These figures are difficult for the layman to grasp. But in case you think that such small amounts can't be very significant, keep in mind that one can get sick from a single microscopic virus particle. With information so detailed, new questions arise. What is the effect of consuming these contarpinants in such small amounts over long periods of time? Doctors can say that an acute, i.e., immediate illness, comes from this or that virus or poison. But chronic, i.e., long-term problems that develop over many years are not so quickly diagnosed. There is genuine concern in the scientific community that prolonged exposure to ------- certain elements, even at such low levels, may be increasing the incidence of cancer and heart disease. The Center for Disease Control tells us there are about 4,000 cases of illnesses linked to drinking water every year in the United States. This number is generally thought to be considerably lower than the actual figures. While we have almost eliminated typhoid and cholera as water problems, we must now address the threat of organic contaminants, viruses, and other disease-causing organisms. This new situation calls for a great deal of research. There are many questions being studied and debated by scientists, and this process will gradually produce more answers than we have now. Meanwhile, we must reduce the risks to our health by taking these steps: • We can be sure that our water is being treated by technology capable of removing potentially harmful contaminants. • We can test or monitor the purity of our water on a regular basis to assure its quality. • We can develop an informed citizenry to cooperate with our water suppliers in introducing the changes necessary to protect the public health. m ------- The National Approach To safeguard public drinking water supplies and to protect public health, Congress passed a law in 1974, the Safe Drinking Water Act (P.L. 93-523). The law directed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish minimum national drinking water standards. These standards set limits on the amounts of various substances sometimes found in drinking water. This means that every community water supply in the country serving 15 or more connections or 25 people must ensure that its water meets these minimum standards of purity. Even non-community supplies, such as trailer parks, camping sites, and roadside motels with their own water supplies will also be covered by regulations. Thus, Americans will be able to have even greater confidence in the water they drink wherever they go—on the road, at work, at play, and at home. Most public drinking water systems, particularly the larger ones, already meet the standards; for them, the new national safe drinking water program is simply added insurance that the quality of your drinking water will be maintained or improved if necessary. But for those water systems that cannot always deliver high quality drinking water, the new program will require some changes. Here's how it works: In the 1974 law, the Congress said it wanted to assure safe drinking water for all Americans. Congress preferred that the States take on the responsibility for the new program so that it would build on existing efforts to protect the public health. Concerned about costs, Congress also wanted the program to be carried out in a reasonable manner, one step at a time. Thus, EPA's regulations were developed by consulting with the States, with water suppliers, environmentalists, specialists in related fields, and with the public. To be given primary responsibility for the program, ------- each State must adopt drinking water standards at least as strict as the national standards. (A State may set stricter standards if it wishes.) Each State must also be able to carry out adequate monitoring and enforcement requirements. If a State cannot or does not do so, EPA will step in and conduct the program itself. To help the States meet their responsibilities under the program, Congress directed EPA to provide them with financial and technical assistance. Congress also provided time for the States and water supply systems to get ready to implement the new regulations. But despite these efforts, all water supply systems will not be able to meet the standards. Some smaller systems may not initially be able to afford additional treatment as easily as larger systems and may apply to the State for an exemption. Exemptions may be granted until January, 1981 to give a system time to seek funds or to develop a plan to serve its users from another water source. A system may have until January, 1983 if it has agreed to become part of a regional public water system that can afford the needed treatment. Other systems may not be able to meet the standards because of the poor quality of the raw water coming into the system even though they are using treatment methods available to larger systems at a reasonable cost. The supplier may then apply for a variance. Although no time limit is placed on this, Congress felt most systems requiring a variance would seek an alternate water source, or the quality of the raw water or the treatment methods would improve to enable them eventually to meet the standards. Whenever a supplier applies for an exemption or variance, public hearings must be held so that citizens being served by the system can voice their views. In no case will an exemption or variance be granted if there is any risk to public health. ------- Public Notification Effective June 24, 1977, your water supplier must periodically sample and test the water pumped to your tap. Most of the larger ones are already doing so. If tests reveal that a national drinking water standard has been violated, that is, if there is too much of any substance for which a national standard has been set, your water supplier must take action to correct the situation and also notify the responsible State agency of the violation. And you, the consumer, must be notified too. Under the new national program to safeguard your drinking water, it is possible that on or after . June 24, 1977: • You may sometimes read in the newspaper . . . • Or hear an announcement on radio or television . . . • Or receive a letter from the health department or your water system . . . Telling you that a drinking water standard has been violated. If you hear or read such an announcement, don't panic. It will explain the problem and tell you what precautions, if any, you should take. It may also tell you what's being done to remedy the situation. Most notices of a violation of drinking water standards will not mean that your health is endangered. The reason is that the limit on the amount of each substance allowed in drinking water was based on what you can consume for a lifetime without adverse health effects. The limit was based on consumption of two liters (a little more than two quarts) of water (or water-based fluids such as coffee, tea, or soft drinks) every day for a lifetime. This large safety margin was built into most standards so that you will not be harmed even if the water you drink exceeds some of the maximum contaminant levels for short periods of time. The fact that your State water agency or water supplier announces a violation of a drinking water ------- standard is not by itself cause for alarm. It is a safety precaution required by Congress to call public attention to deficiencies in a drinking water supply. This procedure is intended to keep you informed so that you can make intelligent decisions about the problem. It is part of the new program to bring public drinking water systems up to minimum national safety standards. In essence, Congress said in the Safe Drinking Water Act that you have a right to expect water that meets minimum national standards for protection of public health. You have a right to be told—and your water supplier must tell you—if your water does not meet those standards. He is also obliged to inform you if he is not monitoring the water as required. With such information from the supplier or the State, you will know what precautions to take. And you will be able to apply pressure on the water supplier through public opinion to do whatever is necessary to bring you safe water. That might require major or minor improvements. It might require a new source of water. Most large water systems will probably be able to remedy any problems that may be discovered under the new monitoring and public reporting program. Some smaller systems may not, however. In some cases, the best alternative might be to tie into a nearby large system. But whatever the alternatives, the public now has a right to know about the quality of its drinking water. With that information, the public can then weigh all possible alternatives and help make the decisions needed to assure safe drinking water. If adequate steps are not taken to correct violations of safe drinking water standards, you have additional rights. You—or any individual or organization—have the right to bring suit against anyone you believe is violating the law: the water supply system, the State, or EPA. ------- ------- The Standards The drinking water standards established by EPA reflect the best scientific and technical judgment available. They were refined by the suggestions and advice of a 15-member National Drinking Water Advisory Council, made up of representatives of the general public, State and local agencies, and experts in the field of public water supply. The Department of Health, Education, and Welfare as well as other agencies and organizations contributed to the development of "The National Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations." The regulations were published for review and subjected to public hearings before they went into effect. Many witnesses testified at the public hearings and almost 500 written statements were received on the proposed regulations. The regulations set achievable levels of drinking water quality to protect your health. They are called "interim" regulations because research continues on drinking water contaminants. The existing standards may be strengthened and new standards will be established for other substances based on studies being conducted by the National Academy of Sciences, EPA, and others. EPA has established standards (or "maximum contaminant levels," in technical language) for ten chemicals, six pesticides, bacteria, radioactivity, and turbidity (cloudiness). Most of these substances occur naturally in our environment and in the foods we eat. The national drinking water standards set by EPA reflect the levels we can safely consume in our water, taking into account the amounts we are exposed to from these other sources. Only two substances for which standards have been set pose an immediate threat to health whenever they are exceeded: Bacteria—Coliform bacteria from human and animal wastes may be found in drinking water if the water is not properly treated. These bacteria may cause disease themselves or indicate that other harmful organisms may be present in the water. Waterborne diseases such 11 ------- as typhoid, cholera, infectious hepatitis, and dysentery have been traced to improperly disinfected drinking water. If you should receive notice that the bacteria level in your water exceeds the minimum standard, follow directions given in the notice. Nitrate—Nitrate in drinking water above the national standard poses an immediate threat to children under three months of age. In some infants, excessive levels of nitrate have been known to react with the hemoglobin in the blood to produce an anemic condition commonly known as "blue baby." If you receive notice that your drinking water contains an excessive amount of nitrate, do not give the water to infants under three months of age and do not use it to prepare formula. Do not boil the water, as boiling will only increase the nitrate concentration. Simply read the notice you receive and follow instructions carefully. Following is a brief outline of the other substances covered by the national drinking water standards. Water exceeding the maximum contaminant levels for these elements, for short periods of time, will pose no immediate threat to health. However, these substances must be controlled as drinking water that exceeds these standards over long periods of time may prove harmful. Arsenic—This element occurs naturally in the environment, especially in the western United States, and it is also used in insecticides. It is found in foods, tobacco, shellfish, drinking water, and in the air in some locations. The national standard allows for 0.05 milligrams of arsenic per liter of water. If you drink water that continuously exceeds the national standard by a substantial amount over a lifetime, you may suffer from fatigue and loss of energy. Extremely high levels can cause poisoning. Barium—Although not as widespread as arsenic, this element also occurs naturally in the environment in some areas. It can also enter water supplies through industrial waste discharges. Small doses of barium are not harmful. However, it is quite dangerous when consumed in large quantities and ------- will bring on increased blood pressure, nerve damage, and even death. The maximum amount of barium allowed in drinking water by the national standard is 1 milligram per liter of water. Cadmium—Only minute amounts of this element are found in natural waters in the United States. Waste discharges from the electroplating, photography, insecticide, and metallurgy industries can increase cadmium levels, however. The most common source of cadmium in our drinking water is from galvanized pipes and fixtures. But the main sources of cadmium exposure are the foods we eat and cigarette smoking. The maximum amount of cadmium allowed in drinking water by the national standard is 0.01 milligrams per liter of water. Chromium—This metal is found in cigarettes, some of our foods, and the air. Some studies suggest that in minute amounts, chromium may be essential to human beings, but this has not been proven. The national standard for chromium is 0.05 milligrams per liter of water. Fluoride—This is a natural mineral and all drinking water contains some. High levels of fluoride in drinking water can cause brown spots on the teeth, or mottling, in children up to 12 years of age. Adults can tolerate ten times more than children. In the proper amounts, however, fluoride in drinking water prevents cavities during formative years. This is why many communities add fluoride in controlled amounts to their water supply. The maximum amount of fluoride allowed in drinking water by the national standard ranges from 0.4 milligrams per liter of water to 2.4 milligrams, depending on the average maximum daily air temperature. (The hotter the climate, the lower the amount allowed, for people tend to drink more water in hot climates.) Lead—This metal is found in the air and in our food. It comes from lead and galvanized pipes, auto exhausts, and other sources. The maximum amount of lead permitted in drinking water by the national standards is ------- 0.05 milligrams per liter of water. Excessive amounts well above this standard may result in nervous system disorders or brain or kidney damage. Mercury—Mercury is found naturally throughout the environment. Large increases in mercury levels in water can be caused by industrial and agricultural use. The health risk from mercury is greater from mercury in fish than simply from waterborne mercury. Mercury poisoning may be acute, in large doses, or chronic, from lower doses taken over an extended time period. The maximum amount of mercury allowed in drinking water by the national standard is 0.002 milligrams per liter of water. That level is 13 percent of the total allowable daily dietary intake of mercury. Selenium—This mineral occurs naturally in soil and plants, especially in western States. It is found in meat and other foods. Although it is believed to be essential in the diet, there are indications that excessive amounts of selenium may be toxic. Studies are underway to determine the amount required for good nutrition and the amount that may be harmful. The national standard for selenium is 0.01 milligrams per liter of water. If selenium came only from drinking water, it would take an amount many times greater than the standard to produce any ill effects. Silver—This metal should pose no problem. It is sometimes used in disinfecting water. The maximum amount of silver allowed in drinking water by the national standard is 0.05 milligrams per liter of water. Pesticides—Millions of pounds of pesticides are used on croplands, forests, lawns, and gardens in the United States each year. They drain off into surface waters or seep into underground water supplies. Many of them may pose health problems if they get into drinking water and the water is not properly treated. The maximum limits for pesticides in drinking water are: Endrin, 0.0002 milligrams per liter Lindane, 0.004 milligrams per liter Methoxychlor, 0.1 milligrams per liter Toxaphene, 0.005 milligrams per liter 2,4-D, 0.1 milligrams per liter 2,4,5-TP Silvex, 0.01 milligrams per liter 14 ------- It would take a dose ten times greater than these standards for pesticides to produce any harmful effects. Radioactivity—Radioactivity is the only contaminant for which standards have been set that has been shown to cause cancer. However, your possible exposure to radiation in drinking water is only a fraction of your exposure from all natural sources. The main source of radioactive material in surface water is fallout from nuclear bomb testing. Other sources could be nuclear power plants, nuclear fuel processing plants, and uranium mines. Those sources are monitored constantly and there is no great risk of contamination, barring accidents. Alpha and radium radioactivity occur naturally in parts of the west, mid-west, and northeast in ground water. Standards for those types of radioactivity and for man- made, or beta, radiation have been set at levels of safety comparable to other contaminants. The safe drinking water program includes a monitoring effort to locate contaminated systems so that remedial action can be taken. Turbidity—The cloudiness, or turbidity, of drinking water is also covered by the national standards. The minute particles suspended in the water that cause turbidity can interfere with disinfection and with bacteria testing. Excessive turbidity can thus allow disease-causing organisms to survive. Standards have been set to provide for varying circumstances. Those, in brief, are the substances for which drinking water standards have already been established. Any violation of those standards will be announced publicly, even if the violation does not endanger your health. The important thing to remember is that the law requires water systems to inform the public of any violation of the regulations, no matter how minor. It's your extra margin of safety. So if your water system notifies you of a violation, read it carefully. Do whatever is recommended to protect yourself and your family. If you follow whatever precautions are suggested, you will have no cause for immediate concern and can help support the steps necessary to correct the problem. 15 ------- ------- Summary The Safe Drinking Water Act set in motion the first comprehensive national program to safeguard public drinking water. The national drinking water standards apply to all public water systems serving at least 25 people or having at least 15 service connections. The standards will protect everyone served by approximately 250,000 water supply systems. The Safe Drinking Water Act is a public health measure. The standards are designed to protect your health. As research progresses, other potentially harmful substances may be regulated. The Congress also required that "secondary" standards be issued covering the esthetic or non-health characteristics of drinking water—taste, color, and odor, etc. Many States and many water supply systems already meet the new national requirements, or will be able to do so with a minimum of effort. Some will have to improve their monitoring and treatment programs. EPA is helping States that need help with technical assistance and grants for program administration. EPA is also carrying on research to learn more about the health effects of other potential water contaminants, how to detect them in water, and how to get rid of them. EPA is also making sure that adequate supplies of treatment chemicals will be available for all public water supply systems. But the major responsibility for bringing you safe drinking water rests with your water supplier, your State, and ultimately you as a concerned citizen. This pamphlet has attempted to describe this new program in simple, non-technical language. But the job of implementing the Safe Drinking Water Act will be no simple matter. It is complex. It requires your cooperation and support. And it requires your understanding that you may have to pay more for safe drinking water—especially if you are served by a small water supply system that has not kept up with modem technology. It is expected that the cost of safe drinking water for some consumers may increase in systems that have to improve their disinfection or filtration practices. For consumers served by systems that have heavy metal problems, the cost may be even greater. However, 17 ------- there are alternatives and programs available to systems needing help. Most consumers, especially those in large cities, should not be significantly affected. Whatever the added cost might be, keep the alternatives in mind: water that's safe to drink, or the risk of disease or other harmful effects. It's a small price to pay for assuring yourself, your community, and all Americans that our water is truly safe to drink. Want More Information? Additional information on what your State and EPA are doing to make certain your drinking water is safe—and remains safe—is available from these agencies: EPA Regional Offices EPA Region 1 Room 2303 JFK Federal Building Boston, MA 02203 EPA Region 2 Room 1005 26 Federal Plaza New York, NY 10007 EPA Region 3 Curtis Building 6th and Walnut Streets Philadelphia, PA 19106 EPA Region 4 345 Courtland St., NE Atlanta, GA 30308 EPA Region 5 230 South Dearborn Street Chicago, IL 60604 EPA Region 6 1201 Elm St. Dallas, TX 75270 EPA Region 7 1735 Baltimore Street Kansas City, MO 64108 EPA Region 8 Suite 900 1860 Lincoln Street Denver, CO 80203 EPA Region 9 100 California Street San Francisco, CA 94111 EPA Region 10 1200 Sixth Avenue Seattle, WA 98101 States Covered Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, District of Columbia Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington ------- State Water Supply Agencies Division of Public Water Supplies Environmental Health Administration State Office Building Montgomery, AL 36130 Division of Air & Water Quality Control Dept. of Environmental Conservation Pouch 0 Juneau, AK 99801 Bureau of Consumer Protection Services State Dept. of Health 4815 W. Markham Street Little Rock, AR 72201 Bureau of Water Quality Control 1740 West Adams Street Phoenix, AZ 85007 State Dept. of Health 2151 Berkeley Way Berkeley, CA 94704 Engineering & Sanitation Dept. of Health 4210 E.11th Avenue Denver, CO 80220 Water Supply Division CT Dept. of Health Elm Street Hartford, CT06115 Bureau of Environmental Health Dept. of Health & Social Services Jesses. Cooper Building Capitol Square Dover, DE 19901 Water Resources Administration 415 12th Street N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001 Bureau of Drinking Water & Special Programs FL Dept. of Environmental Reg. 2562 Executive Center Circle, E. Tallahassee, FL 32301 Water Protection Branch GA Dept. of Natural Resources 270 Washington Street, S.W. Room 822 Atlanta, GA 30334 HI State Dept. of Health Environmental Protection Div. Pollution Technical Review Br. P.O. Box 3378 Honolulu, HI 96801 Dept. of Health & Welfare Statehouse Boise, ID 83720 Division of Public Water Supply IL Environmental Protection Agency 4500 South 6th Street Springfield, IL 62706 Division of Sanitary Engineering State Board of Health 1330 West Michigan Street Indianapolis, IN 46206 Water Quality Management Division Dept. of Environmental Quality P.O. Box 3326 Des Moines, IA 50316 Water Supply Section Division of Environment Dept. of Health & Environment Topeka, KS 66620 Division of Sanitary Engineering KY Dept. for Natural Resources & Environmental Protection Century Plaza—U.S. 127 South Frankfort, KY 40601 Bureau of Environmental Health LA Health & Human Resources Administration Division of Health P.O. Box 60630 New Orleans, LA 70160 Division of Environmental Engineering ME Dept. of Human Services State House Augusta, ME 04330 Water Supply Division of Water & Sewerage State Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene 201 W. Preston Street Baltimore, MD21201 Division of Water Supply MA Deot. of Environmental Quality Engineering 600 Washington Street Boston, MA 02111 Dept. of Public Health 3500 North Logan Street Lansing, Ml 48914 Water Supply & General Engineering MN Dept. of Health 715 Delaware St. S.E. Minneapolis, MN 55440 Division of Water Supply State Board of Health P.O. Box 1700 Jackson, MS 39205 Water Supply Program Division of Environmental Quality P.O. Box 1368 Jefferson City, MO 65101 Water Quality Bureau Dept. of Health & Environmental Sciences Cogswell Building Helena, MT 59601 Division of Environmental Engineering Dept. of Health Lincoln Bldg. 10th & O Streets Lincoln, NB 68509 Dept. of Human Resources 201 South Fall Street Carson City, NV 89710 NH Water Supply & Pollution Control Commission 105 Loudon Road Concord, NH 03301 Bureau of Potable Water Dept. of Environmental Protection P.O. Box 2809 Trenton, NJ 08625 Water Supply Section Environmental Improvement Agency P.O. Box 2348 Santa Fe, NM 87501 Bureau of Public Water Supply NY Dept. of Health 845 Central Avenue Albany, NY 12206 ------- United States Office of Environmental Protection Public Affairs (A-107) Agency Washington, D.C. 20460 Official Business Penalty for Private Use $300 Postage and Fees Paid Environmental Protection Agency EPA-335 Third Class Bulk Water Supply Branch Division of Health Services Dept. of Human Resources Bath Bldg., P.O. Box 2091 Raleigh, NC 27602 Division of Water Supply & Pollution Control Dept. of Health State Capitol Bismarck, ND 58501 Office of Public Water Supply OH Environmental Protection Agency P.O. Box 1049 Columbus, OH 43216 Water Quality Service Dept. of Health N.E. 10th & Stonewall Oklahoma City, OK 73117 Office of Sanitation Services Dept. of Human Resources 1400 S.W. Fifth Avenue Portland, OR 97201 Division of Water Supply & Sewage Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Resources P.O. Box 2063 Harrisburg, PA 17120 Rl Dept. of Health Health Bldg., Room 209 75 Davis Street Providence, Rl 02908 Division of Water Supply SC Dept. of Health & Environmental Control 2600 Bull Street Columbia, SC 29201 Water Hygiene Program Dept. of Environmental Protection Joe Foss Building Pierre, SD 57501 Division of Environmental Sanitation TN Dept. of Public Health 320 Capitol Hill Building Nashville, TN 37219 Environmental & Consumer Health Protection TX Dept. of Health Resources 1100 West 49th Street Austin, TX 78756 Bureau of Water Quality Environmental Health Branch 44 Medical Drive Salt Lake City, UT84113 Div. of Environmental Health VT Dept. of Health 60 Main St. Burlington, VT 05401 Bureau of Sanitary Engineering State Dept. of Health James Madison Building 109 Governor Street Richmond, VA 23219 Water Supply & Waste Unit Dept. of Social & Health Services P.O. Box 1788 Olympia, WA 98504 Environmental Health Services State Dept. of Health State Office Building 1800 E. Washington Street Charleston, WV 25305 Public Water Supply Section Dept. of Natural Resources P.O. Box 450 Madison, Wl 53701 Water Quality Division Dept. of Environmental Quality Hathaway Bldg. Cheyenne, WY 82002 Department of Public Works Government of American Samoa Pago Pago, American Samoa 96920 Environmental Protection Agency Government of Guam P.O. Box 2999 Agana, Guam 96910 Chief of Environmental Health Dept. of Health Services Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands Saipan, Mariana Islands 96950 Water Supply Program PR Health Dept. P.O. Box 9342 Hayto Rey, Puerto Rico 00927 Dept. of Conservation Division of Natural Resource Mgmt. Building 15-F Watergut Homes Christiansted, St. Croix U.S. Virgin Islands 00820 ------- |