United States Office Of EPA 812-P-93-001
Environmental Protection Water September 1993
Agency (WH-550)
Ipllii
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Notice
Dear Sir or Madam
• -
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15222/
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D C 20460
OFFICE OF
WATER
0u 5 199 j
MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT: Review of Draft Manual - "Public Notification for Public Water Supplies:
Attached for your review is the draft manual, "Public Notification for Public Water
Supplies: Operator Manual." The manual has been targeted specifically for owners,
operators, and managers of small and medium-sized water systems (those serving
10,000 or fewer people), however, larger systems also should find it useful. Please
share copies of this draft with your States and operators and invite their comments.
We want to get as broad a review of this draft as possible.
We are developing this manual in partial response to a 1992 General
Accounui iy Office (GAO) audit of EPA/State implementation of drinkinc wetter public
notification (PN) requirements. GAO noted major weaknesses in the program
including poor operator understanding of the requirements and how to comply with
them. GAO recommended EPA develop and distribute templates containing "boiler-
plate" language to assist public water systems meet PN requirements.
In designing the manual, we looked at templates used by several States and
EPA Region VIII, consulted with the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) and held
focus group discussions with operators in Virginia and Wisconsin. The attached draft
reflects many of the comments we received during those meetings. We also plan to
hold focus group meetings during the Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP)
and NRW^ annual conferences in October.
Operator Manual'
FROM: Connie, Bosma, Chi^f^^u^-^^^^
Drinkir g Water Branch
Enforcement and Program Implementation Division
TO:
Addressees
ftaeysfexOTtocTeiabis
***** to paper fcs> contains
st itatt 7$% ttcycM 9m
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We are especially interested in your comments on the following issues.
(1) We have attempted to keep the manual as short and concise as possible
out of a concern that operators will tend to ignore a thick manual. For that reason, we
have kept explanatory text to a minimum and arbitrarily limited the number of
templates. Focus group comments sugg&jt that size, per se, . not an issue as long
as it is easy for the user to find the appropriate information related to the particular
problem for which PN is being performed. We would appreciate your thoughts on this
issue.
(2) The draft manual contains fifteen (15) templates. Most are tailored for
specific situations (e.g., notice of a total coliform MCL where PN occurs after the
problem has been corrected). We picked scenarios that we believed were the most
common. Are there other scenarios for which we should include tailored templates?
(3) We have included a mock-up of a draft wall chart with the manual. We
would like your comments on the content and layout of the chart.
(4) Feedback from the Wisconsin focus group suggests a section containing
Qs and As would be useful to assist operators respond to consumer questions about
health effects and precautionary measures. We think there is merit to the idea and are
considering developing such a package as a separate project. We would like your
input regarding commonly asked questions that should be addressed.
Please send vour comments to Judv Lebowich fmafl code 4604) bv November
30. 1993. She can be contacted on (202) 260-7595 if you have any questions.
Attachment
Addressees
Region l-X PWSS
Section Chiefs
Region l-X DW/GW
Branch Chiefs
PWSS Indian Dl
Network
Vanessa Leiby, ASDWA
Sam Wade, NRWA
Keith Jones, NRWA
Jack Mannion, AWWA
Fred Pontius, AWWA
Trudie Lay, AWWA
Kathleen Stanley, RCAP
Diane Van de Hei,
AMWA
James Groff. NAWC
Rick Richardson, NETA
Tom Crawford, NAWA
Sanjay Saxena, NETC
Virginia Focus
Group Participants
Wisconsin Focus
Group Participants
Tom DeLoach (AL)
Roger Selburg (IL)
Diana Heberland (IL)
Jeff Gordon (PA)
Cathy C. Montgomery
(SC)
Lee Woodruff (ID)
Patricia Ritchie-Blase
(MO)
Sandra Hick, Un. of
Kansas
Cynthia Root,
Kirkwood Comm. Coll.
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Public Notification For
Public Water Systems
Dally New
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Office of Water
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C.
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Contents
Introduction 3
Section 1 How to Use This Handbook/Wall Chart 5
Section 2 Instructions for Completing Public Notices 7
Section 3 Formatting Notices for Appropriate Media 9
Section 4 Templates 11
Tier 1 Acute
Acute coliform maximum contaminant level (MCL) violation — ongoing 13
Acute coliform MCL violation — problem corrected 15
Nitrate MCL violation — ongoing 17
Waterborne disease outbreak — violation ongoing 19
Waterbome disease outbreak — problem corrected 21
Tier 1 Non-Acute
Total coliform MCL violation — ongoing 23
Total coliform MCL violation — problem corrected 25
General chemical/radionuclide MCL violation — ongoing 27
Violation of surface water treatment requirements — violation ongoing 29
Tier 2
Total coliform monitoring violation; (subsequent monitoring negative) 31
General chemical/radionuclide monitoring violation;
monitoring planned but not yet completed 33
Failure to complete tap water sampling under the
Lead and Copper Rule; monitoring completed late 35
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Failure to complete tap water sampling under the
Lead and Copper Rule; monitoring in process 37
Special Requirements
Exceeding secondary standard for fluoride 39
Availability of unregulated contaminant monitoring data 41
Appendices
Appendix A Mandatory Health Effects Language A-1
Appendix B Examples of Completed Notices B-1
2
9/30/93 Draft
Public Notification far Public Water Systems
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Introduction
This handbook and accompanying wall chart is for owners, operators and managers A
of community and non-community public waier systems. It was developed to help ownerV A
operators/managers understand the Federal requirements of the Public Notification EJ.
regulations, and to comply with these regulations when a drinking water related S771 lv\
problem occurs. The regulations described in the handbook and chart are the +
Federal regulations mandated under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
Amendments of 1986.1 States with primacy must adopt Public Notification
regulations that are no less stringent than the Federal requirements. States may
add additional requirements or even elect to give notices themselves. Be sure to
contact your State drinking water office to see what they require.
The primary purpose of public notification is to inform consumers of any potential adverse health
effects related to the drinking water being supplied to them, and to identify the steps consumers can
take to minimize the health impact While public notices may vary in content and form, their purpose
is intended to educate the public, to develop public awareness of the problems facing drinking water
systems, and to encourage a willingness to support greater expenditures to assist in solving the problems.
It is in your best interest to communicate with your customers. Your customers care about their
health and their families' health, and want to know if drinking tap water is putting them at risk. While
providing your customers with this information, you can also provide them with other educational
information that will encourage them to support the expenditures it will take to provide safe drinking
water. Properly done, the notices can work for the benefit of the water supply as well as the public. If
the public understands the problem and the steps which are being taken to correct it, panic and many
potential angry phone calls may be prevented
Questions? If you have any questions about public notification (or any other drinking water issue),
that are not answered within this handbook, you can call the toll-free Safe Drinking Water Hotline.
The Hotline was established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide the most
current information on Federal drinking water requirements.
EPA Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
Safe Drinking Water Hotline
1-800-426-4791
Monday through Fri day/9:00 am. - 5 JO pjn. EST
1 These Regulaioni ut cammed m the Code of Federal RcguUoom (40 CFR Put 141.32). Thew legulkimx bccane dleam April 28.1989.
Puhlir Nnnfir/itisin thr Puhlir Waltr If 9/30/93 Dl&ft
3
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O/IAAI TWA PtJiJiV Pufc/iV W/*f#r
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Section 1 How to Use This Handbook/Wall Chart
This handbook and wall chart combination was designed to assist public water system owners/
operators/managers with varying levels of public notification experience in complying with the
public notification regulations. The chart was designed to present public notification requirements in
a consolidated, easy-to-reference format The wall chart alone provides all the information needed to
complete required public notices. The handbook was developed to provide more specific instructions
for those who desire additional guidance or have never before completed public notices. Fifteen fill-
in-the-blank example notices, or templates, are included within Section 4 of this handbook. These
templates were created for some of the most commonly occurring violations. Although your viola-
tion may not be one of the fifteen for which an example is provided, the language, format, style and
content of the examples should provide sufficient guidance to help you create compliant and appro-
priate notices for your customers.
The wall chart provides all the basic information needed to complete required
public notices. The wall chart:
• Defines the type of violations that require public notification (for ex-
ample, Tier 1, Tier 2, and "Other Sperial Requirements").
• Provides frequency and distribution requirements for each notice (for example, mail
distribution within 45 days).
• Describes content requirements for each notice (for example, include population at
risk..., describe corrective actions...).
• Defines different types of water systems (for example, community water systems, non-
community water systems).
• References the Safe Drinking Water Hotline for additional assistance.
The handbook provides more specific instructions for those who desire addi-
tional guidance or have never before completed public notices. The handbook
provides:
• Guidance on successfully distributing notices through the appropriate
media.
• Instructions on completing notices.
• Fill-in-the-blank examples (templates) of notices for some of the most commonly
occurring violations.
• Mandatory health effects language (required for many notices).
• Completed public notices for reference.
is>
PuMtr Nntifyrntmm fhr Puhlir IV/M/r
9/30/93 Draft
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The design of this handbook (three hole punched) allows for copies of additional EPA require-
ments, templates, and pertinent State guidance, to be inserted easily.
Your first step is to determine if you are in violation of any of the drinking water
regulations requiring you to provide public notification to your customers. You can
find the violation types in the upper left table of the wall chart. (If your violation does not fit the
descriptions in the first table, you may find it under "Other Special Requirements").
Follow the chart depending on the type of your violation. Then determine the frequency of
public notification, depending on what type of system you operate, and the types of media through
which you have to notify the public. For example, if you are a community water system with a Tier
1 Acute violation and a general circulation newspaper in your service area, you will need to notify
TV and Radio stations within 48 hours, provide newspaper notice within 14 days, and mail or hand
delivery notice within three months. You should also read the comment section for additional
information and requirements.
Your next step, once you have determined when and how to get your notices out,
will be to create the actual notices. To create notices, you can either
Reference the content section of the chart (12 points of required information), and develop your
own notices,
OR
Use the templates in Section 4 of this handbook, and read on for more guidance on creating and
presenting notices.
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Section 2 Instructions for Completing Public Notices
General Guidelines
When writing notices, be as clear, brief, and simple as possible. Try not to give so many details
or long explanations that your audience will not read or understand the notice. Place the most impor-
tant information in the beginning of each notice. Remember, you can add more information to your
notices than the regulations dictate as long as you do not compromise the requirements.
Specific Instructions —JB«^
If you choose to use the example notices in Section 4, make sure you read the instructions in this
section as well as the additional violation-specific instructions on the back of each template (if
applicable). Templates have been designed for specific violations and require only a minimal
amount of system-specific information to be added. Instructions for completing notices are in brack-
ets, with instructional text within the brackets. For example, where you see [insert water system
name], you should fill in the name of your water system. Listed below are other areas where you
will need to fill in system-specific information to complete your public notices.
Insert the name and phone number of the contact person at your water system in the desig-
nated spaces. Although an address in not required, it is helpful to include one.
Although not required, you should include the date you are distributing your notice. This will
help you keep an accurate record of when notices were distributed.
Insert analytical results and test dates in the designated spaces.
Some of the most ingxxtant information you must include in your public notices is the population
at risk and preventive measures that should be taken by consumers. For example, pregnant women
and young children may be especially at risk, and may be the only group of people that need to
seek alternative water sources. Another example might be a microbiological violation where health
officials recommend that everyone boil their water prior to drinking or cooking. This information
may vaiy depending on the severity of the violation. Contact your State drinking water office for
assistance in obtaining this information.
Insert the reason for the violation. Examples may include treatment equipment breaking
down, equipment not being installed cooecdy, runoff contaminating the water, or you may not
know the cause of the problem. If this is the case, you can state that the cause of the problem is still
being investigated.
Mandatory health effects language is required for many violations. Where appropriate, the
language has been included within the template notices. For templates where the contami-
nant needs to be inserted, you will have to insert the appropriate mandatory health effects
language which can be found in Appendix A Mandatory health effects language cannot be
rewritten or reordered. It must appear word for word, the way it appears in Appendix A.
Public Notificaiu>n for Public Water Systems 9/30*93 Draft
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Provide a description of the steps you are taking to correct the problem Examples may
include that you shut off the contaminated well, that you will repair or install treatment
equipment, or that you are chlorinating the water.
DON T
FORGET
You will also need to submit proof of publication of your notices to
your State. This can be done by cutting out your newspaper notice along
with the date of publication, or by providing actual copies of mail/hand
delivered notices, posters, and news releases.
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Section 3 Formatting Notices for Appropriate Media
The media in which you must distribute your public notices will depend on the type of water
system you run and your specific violation. Provided below are some recommendations to improve
the effectiveness of your notices for each media type.
Radio and Television:
Call your local radio and television stations to find out if they have any special HESM
requirements for news releases. For example, some stations may want the release
written in all upper-case letters.
For broadcast news releases, you will need to include at the top of the release the date and the
contact person name, title and phone number in case radio or television station personnel need to get
in touch with you for more information or clarification.
There are a number of standard indicators that are used in news releases. One set is used when
the release is longer than one page. In this case, at the bottom of the first page, the bottom line of the
release should read, - MORE -, to indicate that more information will follow on the next page. The
top left of the next page should read, ADD ONE, to indicate the continuation of information. (Addi-
tional pages should read, ADD TWO, ADD THREE, etc...). Another symbol is ###, which should
be at the very end of your release. This indicates the end of information to be released.
Fax or deliver your news release and follow it up with a phone call to make sure it arrived.
See the example broadcast news release on page B-3 of Appendix B.
Newspaper:
Newspapers are probably the most common means of public notice. Through this
media, there are two ways of satisfying the requirement: 1) through buying space,
usually in the legal notices or classified ads section, or, 2) by having a story or news
release printed in the paper.
If your violation is written as a feature article by a reporter or printed as a news release, every
element of a standard notice must be included in order to comply with public notification regula-
tions. If printed as a news release, provide the date of the release and the system contact name,
number and title at the top of the release, as for broadcast media.
Since legal notices and classified ads are not the most widely read section of newspapers, if you
are buying space in these sections, your notices should be designed visually to attract the readers
attention. This can be done by using bold-face type and empty space in part of the ad to make it
more readable.
Ptihlir Mnlidrntinn fnr Puhlir Vlntmr CvrtfiM
Draft
0
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If you are publishing your public notice in the legal notices or classified ads section of die
newspaper, you can use the templates in Section 4 as they are. See the completed example of a legal
notice/classified ad on page B-4 of Appendix B.
Mail:
Mail notices can be sent within your customers' water bills, or can be
sent as separate letters.
Letters should be printed on the water system's letterhead and should
include all headings and closings such as the current date, Dear Customer,
and Sincerely Yours.
Postcard sized announcements, often printed on stiff paper, can easily be included as bill inserts
or mailed separately.
See the completed example on page B-S of Appendix B.
Hand delivery:
For hand delivery notices, some options you can use include letters, flyers, or
doorknob hangers. Local printers should be able to provide the paper necessary for
use in doorknob hangers.
See the completed example on page B-5 of Appendix B.
Posters:
Posters must be placed in prominent locations so that your customers have the best
chance of noticing and reading them. Some good locations may include the Post
Office, local grocery store, or at public water sources such as drinking fountains or
water taps.
Large print (especially for the tide), designs or drawings, and large-sized paper helps attract
attention to posters.
See the completed example of a public notice poster on page B-6 of Appendix B.
Draft
Public Notification for Public Waier Systems
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Section 4 Templates
Templates for 15 of the most commonly occurring violations are provided in this section. A descrip-
tion of when you would use each template is provided in a box on the front of each template. On the
back of each template are additional instructions/guidance specific to each template.
~ Tier 1 Acute
• Acute coliform maximum contaminant level (MCL) violation — ongoing
• Acute coliform MCL violation — problem corrected
• Nitrate MCL violation — ongoing
• Waterbome disease outbreak — violation ongoing
• Water borne disease outbreak — problem corrected
~ Tier 1 Non-Acute
• Total coliform MCL violation — ongoing
• Total coliform MCL violation — problem corrected
• General chemical/radionuclide MCL violation — ongoing
• Violation of surface water treatment requirements — violation ongoing
~ Tier 2
• Total coliform monitoring violation; (subsequent monitoring negative)
• General chemical/radionuclide monitoring violation; monitoring planned but not yet com-
pleted
• Failure to complete tap water sampling under the Lead and Copper Rule; monitoring com-
pleted late
• Failure to complete tap water sampling under the Lead and Copper Rule; monitoring in
process
~ Special Requirements
• Exceeding secondary standard for fluoride
• Availability of unregulated contaminant monitoring data
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9/30/93 Draft Public Notification for Public Wcaer Systems
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PUBLIC NOTICE
ATTENTION ALL Ilium WaUr SvjUji Narmt I WATER USERS
TESTS SHOW PRESENCE OF FECAL C0L1F0RM/E. COU BACTERIA
ISummariu Precautionary Utatvul
As a public water system, we are required to monitor our drinking water for various contaminants.
Samples taken tested positive for fecal colifonn or E-coli bacteria. This is a
violation of state and federal drinking water standards requiring immediate attention.
State and local health authorities recommend that consumers take the following precautions:
f/UI ui bastd on uatructtoms from statdloral tuahtriitdtl
General Information
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards and has
determined that the presence of fecal coliforms or E. coli is a serious health concern. Fecal colifbrms
and E. coli are generally not harmful themselves, but their presence in drinking water is serious
because they usually are associated with sewage or animal wastes. The presence of these bacteria in
drinking water is generally a result of a problem with water treatment or die pipes which distribute the
water, and indicates that die water may be contaminated with organisms that can cause disease.
Disease symptoms may include diaxxhea, cramps, nausea, and possibly jaundice, and associated
headaches and fatigue. These symptoms, however, are not just associated with disease-causing
organisms in drinking water, but also may be caused by a number of factors other than your drinking
water. EPA has set an enforceable drinking water standard far fecal coliforms and E. coli to reduce
the risk of these adverse health effects. Under this standard all drinking water samples must be free of
these bacteria. Drinking water which meets this standard is associated with little or none of this risk
and should be considered safe.
The bacterial contamination is a result of f-—w -*—*¦ .
The following steps are being taken to correct this problem: tianmr* nf"'r* r~ ",ki,r'
Contact
For further information contact rM** r^nomi . at [imrx ttiwher* nmhtri..
Her 1 Acute
Acute Coliform MCL Violation — Ongoing
Use this template when you detect fecal coliform or E. coli bacteria in a total coliform positive sample
and you have not yet corrected the problem causing this violation.
Ptihftr Slntidrntinm fhr PuMir Wnttr Svrtfmt
9/3093 Draft
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Tier 1 Acute
Acute Conform MCL Violation — Ongoing
Precautionary Measures: Your state and local health officials will be able to assist you in determining
what precautionary measures your customers should take. This information should be inserted in the
second paragraph of this template. If the officials recommend that consumers take precautionary
measures (e.g., boiling water for drinking or cooking), you should add a summary of that information
to the title of your notice (e.g., BOIL YOUR WATER) to alert people of the seriousness of the
problem. If no precautionary measures are recommended, that should also be mentioned in your
notice.
If officials recommend alternative sources of water, provide information in your notice where such
water sources can be obtained.
When recommending precautionary action to your customers, it is helpful to inform them that they
will be notified when the problem has been corrected. If you make such a statement in your notice,
make sure you follow up!
Mandatory Health Effect* I -anynagp.: EPA has established mandatory language on the health effects
of regulated contaminants found in drinking water. Each public notice must include the appropriate
mandatory health effects language, word for word, for each contaminant for which your system is in
violation. The mandatory health effects language must be published intact; and it cannot be broken up
by inserted material. This language is already included in this template as the paragraph directly
following General Information. Do not change this wording or remove it from your notice.
nnnm
NntiGrarinn tnr Public Writer Svrtemx
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PUBLIC NOTICE
ATTENTION ALL Ilmtrt Waitr Siaum Nam*I WATER USERS
TESTS SHOWED PRESENCE OF FECAL COUFORM/E. COU BACTERIA
PROBLEM HAS BEEN CORRECTED
As a public water system, we are required to monitor our drinking water for various contaminants.
Samples tal^n tested positive for fecal coliform or E-coli bacteria. This is a
violation of state and federal drinking water standards. Although subsequent samples taken [insert
date] tested negative for fecal coliform and E. coli bacteria, we are required to notify you that the
violation occurred.
General Information
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards and has
determined that the presence of fecal coliforms or E. coli is a serious health concern. Fecal colifonns
and E. coli are generally not harmful themselves, but their presence in drinking water is serious
because they usually are associated with sewage or animal wastes. The presence of these bacteria in
drinking water is generally a result of a problem with water treatment or the pipes which distribute the
water, and indicates that the water may be contaminated with organisms that can cause disease.
Disease symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and possibly jaundice, and associated
headaches and fatigue. These symptoms, however, are not just associated with disease-causing
organisms in drinking water, but also may be caused by a number of factors other than your drinking
water. EPA has set an enforceable drinking water standard for fecal coliforms and E. coli to reduce
the risk of these adverse health effects. Under this standard all drinking water samples must be free of
these bacteria. Drinking water which meets this standard is associated with little or none of this risk
and should be considered safe. State and local health authorities recommend that consumers take the
following precautions:
As the problem has already been corrected, the water no longer poses a risk to your health. No action
is necessary.
The bacterial contamination was a result of finwrt rw— ¦
The following steps were taken to correct this problem: luvtn dtwrnien tfsm »n ueU
Contact
For further information contact /«»« nam nf—"" «¦«¦«« nmimi , at finwn ukgtient nmttri .
Tier 1 Acuta
Acute Conform MCL Violation — Problem Corrected
Use this template when you detect fecal coliform or E. coli bacteria in a total coliform positive
sample, you have already corrected the problem causing this violation, and subsequent samples have
been negative for fecal coliform or E. coli bacteria.
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Her 1 Acute
Acute Coliform MCL Violation — Problem Corrected
Mandatory Health Effort* T EPA has established mandatory language on the health effects
of regulated contaminants found in drinking water. Each public notice must include the appropriate
mandatory health effects language, word for word, for each contaminant for which your system is in
violation. The mandatory health effects language must be published intact; and it cannot be broken up
by inserted material. This language is already included in this template as the paragraph directly
following General Information. Do not change this wording or remove it from your notice.
16
9/30/93 Draft
Public Notification for Public Water Sysumt
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PUBLIC NOTICE
ATTENTION ALL m—i WATFB USERS
TESTS SHOW HIGH NITRATE LEVELS IN TAP WATER
USE OTHER SOURCE OF WATER FOR INFANTS
As a public water system, we are required to monitor our drinking water for various contaminants. Samples
taken fuatrt daittsi aftaiMi showed that water contained rnwn; of nitrate. Tins means we are in
violation of drinking water standards because we exceed the matimnm contaminant level for nitrate.
Until the problem is corrected, we recommend you take the following preventive measures: Use /.«.«
mformatuut aham accivtahU alumalM maltr sourcmM om dirrrtrA In mj rent* rr J«v.f L~,hL tO pTOVide drinking Water tO
infants under six months of age and for making formula. fj/um irfarmpt*»« ««hat ««»«¦" cm ff» ygtr frm tht
aitarmiiiv* tovctuu Officials do not believe contamination levels pose a serious threat to anyone over six months
of age.
General Information
Hie United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards and has determined
that nitrate poses an acute health concern at certain levels of exposure. Nitrate is used in fertilizer and is found
in sewage and wastes from human and/or farm animals and generally gets into drinking water from those
activities. Excessive levels of nitrate in drinking water have caused serious illness and sometimes death in
infants under six months of age. The serious illness in infants is caused because nitrate is converted to nitrite in
the body. Nitrite interferes with the oxygen carrying capacity of the child's blood. This is an acute disease in
that symptoms can develop rapidly in infants. In most cases, health deteriorates over a period of days. Symp-
toms include shortness of breath and blueness of the skin. Clearly, expert medical advice should be sought
immediately if these symptoms occur.
The purpose of this notice is to encourage parents and other responsible parties to provide infants with an
alternate source of drinking water. Local and State health authorities are the best source for information
concerning alternate sources of drinking water for infants. EPA has set the drinking water standard at 10 part
per million (ppm) for nitrate to protect against the risk of these adverse effects. EPA has also set a drinking
water standard for nitrite at 1 ppm. To allow for the fact that the toxicity of nitrate and nitrite are additive, EPA
has also established a standard for the sum of nitrate and nitrite at 10 ppm. Drinking water that meets the EPA
standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe with respect to nitrate.
The high level of nitrate is the result of '**** naum
The following steps are being taken to correct this problem f—" r
Contact
For further information contact *am- y—1""""" co»tocf , at —town uluhmt lumbtr!
Tier 1 Acute
Nitrate MCL Violation — Ongoing
Use this template when you have exceeded the MCL for nitrate (10 ppm).
a nf'it •* *— . it/-*"-
OAMH Draft
17
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Her 1 Acuta
Nitrate MCL Violation — Ongoing
Precautionary Measures: When recommending precautionary action to your customers, it is helpful to
inform them that they will be notified when the problem has been corrected. If you make such a
statement in your notice, make sure you follow up!
If officials recommend alternative sources of water, provide information in your notice where such
water sources can be obtained.
Population at Risk: This notice states in the second paragraph that "Officials do not believe contami-
nation levels pose a serious threat to anyone over six months of age". Although this is the case for
most nitrate violations, verify with your state or local health officials that this statement is accurate for
your violation. If it is not, replace it with language recommended by the health officials.
Mandatory Health Effects Language: EPA has established mandatory language on the health effects
of regulated contaminants found in drinking water. Each public notice must include the appropriate
mandatory health effects language, word for word, for each contaminant for which your system is in
violation. The mandatory health effects language must be published intact; and it cannot be broken up
by inserted material. This language is already included in this template as the two paragraphs directly
following General Information. Do not change this wonting or remove it from your notice.
18
9/30/93 Draft
Public Notification for Public Water Systems
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PUBLIC NOTICE
ATTENTION ALL WATFP USERS
WATERBORNE DISEASE OUTBREAK
Unart nam* ofwaur raumi is experiencing contamination by microbiological contaminants that has led
to a waterborne disease outbreak in this area. Officials request that you take the following precau-
tions: IfUl m batal OK uutnaiumi bam nalMltocal aahmiig) .
General Information
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards and has
determined that the presence of microbiological contaminants are a health concern at certain levels of
exposure. If water is inadequately treated, microbiological contaminants in that water may owsr
disease. Disease symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and possibly jaundice, and any
associated headaches and fatigue. These symptoms, however, are not just associated with disease-
causing organisms in drinking water, but also may be caused by a number of factors other than your
drinking water. EPA has set enforceable requirements for treating drinking water to reduce the risk of
these adverse health effects. Treatment such as filtering and disinfecting the water removes or de-
stroys microbiological contaminants. Drinking water which is treated to meet EPA requirements is
associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe.
The contamination is a result of
The following steps are being taken to correct this problem: *^-f'
Contact
For further information contact /««« nan* ofwaur ruUmamlaeipine*] - at fumrt Uttpkau mmbtrl
Tier 1 Acute
Waterborne Disease Outbreak—Violation Ongoing
Use this template if you are an unfiltered surface water system, or a ground water system under the
direct influence of surface water, and you are experiencing a waterborne disease outbreak. This
template should be used when you have not yet corrected the problem causing this violation.
Public Notification for Public Water Systems 9/30/93 Draft 19
-------
Tier 1 Acute
Waterborne Disease Outbreak — Violation Ongoing
what precautionary measures to recommend that consumers take precautionary
the first paragraph of this teraP^. ^ cooking), you should add a summary of that information
measures (e.g., boiling water YOUR WATER) to alert people of the seriousness of the
m toshouMaisobe n*ndo,iedyour
notice.
If officials recommend alternative sources of water, provide information in your notice where such
water sources can be obtained.
waicr vjuivw v«i» —-
it is heloful to inform them that they
When recommending precautionary ac^t°^taL jf you make such a statement in your notice,
will be notified when the problem has been corrected. II you ma«
.ml
maifp. sure you follow up!
U Hnltl) Fffrrw 1,""^^^^^SS^ShSe^e appropriate
of regulated contaminants found in *^8 * h mnntninam for which your system is in
mandatory health effects language must be published intact; and it ^otbebroketi up
violation. The mandatory health effects languag ^laie as the paragraph directly
-------
PUBLIC NOTICE
ATTENTION ALL //««* waur svsum Nam*i WATER USERS
WATERBORNE DISEASE OUTBREAK
PROBLEM HAS BEEN CORRECTED
iiManmrnu ofwaur naumi experienced contamination by microbiological contaminants that led to a
waterbome disease outbreak in this area. We have fixed the problem. Consumers do not need to seek
alternative water supplies or take other precautions. We are providing this notice for your information
according to public notification requirements.
General Information
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards and has
determined that the presence of microbiological contaminants are a health concern at certain levels of
exposure. If water is inadequately treated, microbiological contaminants in that water may cause
disease. Disease symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and possibly jaundice, and any
associated headaches and fatigue. These symptoms, however, are not just associated with disease-
causing organisms in drinking water, but also may be caused by a number of factors other than your
drinking water. EPA has set enforceable requirements for treating drinking water to reduce the risk of
these adverse health effects. Treatment such as filtering and disinfecting the water removes or de-
stroys microbiological contaminants. Drinking water which is treated to meet EPA requirements is
associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe.
The contamination was a result of timnnamfnmHml
The following steps were taken to correct this problem: n*"" oftum von uxai
Contact
For further information contact /««« rfmtn rnwr "t?"m . &t hmn tiltrlmit numhirl—•
Tier 1 Acute
Waterbome Disease Outbreak — Problem Corrected
Use this template if you are an unfiltered surface water or ground water system under the direct
influence of surface water and you experienced a waterbome disease outbreak that was corrected
prior to the issuance of public notification. „ -
Public Notification for Public Water Systems
9/30/93 Draft
21
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Her 1 Acute
Waterborne Oisease Outbreak — Problem Corrected
Mandatory Health Effects Language: EPA has established mandatory language on the health effects
of regulated contaminants found in drinking water. Each public notice must include the appropriate
mandatory health effects language, word for word, for each contaminant for which your system is in
violation. The mandatory health effects language must be published intact; and it cannot be broken up
by inserted material. This language is already included in this template as the paragraph direcdy
following General Information. Do not change this wording or remove it from your notice.
22
9/30/93 Draft
Public Notification far Public Water Systems
*-
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PUBLIC NOTICE
ATTENTION ALL n**-, w„„ Namai WATF.tt USERS
TESTS SHOW HIGH LEVELS OF TOTAL COUFORM BACTERIA
As a public water system, we are required to monitor our drinking water for various contaminants. Samples
taken showed that total colifonn bacteria were present in more samples than permitted
under drinking water standards. This means we are in violation of drinking water standards because we have
exceeded the majrimum contaminant level for total colifonn.
State and local health official recommend that you take the following precautions:
(Hil in rm inmaitm from twnlaait athnruml .
General Information
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards and has determined
that the presence of total coliforms is a possible health concent Total coliforms are common in the environment
and are generally not harmful themselves. Hie presence of these bacteria in drinking water, however, generally
is a result of a problem with water treatment, or the pipes which distribute the water, and indicates that the
water may be contaminated with organisms thai can cause disease.
Disease symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and possibly jaundice, and any associated headaches
and fatigue. These symptoms, however, are not just associated with disease-causing organisms in drinking
water, but also may be caused by a number of factors other than your drinking water. EPA has set an enforce-
able drinking water standard for total cohfonns to reduce the risk of these adverse health effects. Under this
standard, no more than 5.0 percent of the samples collected during a month can contain these bacteria, except
that systems collecting fewer than 40 samples/month that have one total coliform-positive sample per month are
not violating the standard Drinking water which meets this standard is usually not associated with a health risk
from disease-causing bacteria and should be considered safe.
The bacterial contamination is a result of rm*tm >
The following steps are being taken to correct this problem: rumt dtxratm of,u*- wrr 'V-irf
Contact
For further information contact [un* >m— of weur jv-r r-'Tf , at ruu** »«%> .
Her 1 Non-Acute
Total CoHform MCL Violation — Ongoing
Use this template when you violate the MCL for total coliforms and no fecal colifonn or E. coli
bacteria are present This occurs if more than five percent of your monthly coliform samples are
colifonn positive, or, when fewer than 40 samples per month are collected, one sample is colifonn
positive. This template applies when you have not yet corrected the problem causing the violation.
Public Notification Jbr Public Water Systems
9/30/93 Draft
23
-------
Tier 1 Non-Acute
Total Coliform MCL Violation — Ongoing
Precautionary Measures: Your state and local health officials will be able to assist you in determining
what precautionary measures your customers should take. This information should be inserted in the
second paragraph of this template. If the officials recommend that consumers take precautionary
measures (e.g., boiling water for drinking or cooking), you should add a summary of that information
to die title of your notice (e.g., BOIL YOUR WATER) to alert people of die seriousness of the problem. If
no precautionary measures are recommended, that should also be mentioned in your notice.
If officials recommend alternative sources of water, provide information in your notice where such
water sources can be obtained.
When recommending precautionary action to your customers, it is helpful to inform them that they
will be notified when the problem has been corrected. If you make such a statement in your notice,
make sure you follow up!
Mandatory Health Effects Language: EPA has established mandatory language on the health effects
of regulated contaminants found in drinking water. Each public notice must include the appropriate
mandatory health effects language, word for word, for each contaminant for which your system is in
violation. The mandatory health effects language must be published intact; and it cannot be broken up
by inserted material. This language is already included in this template as the two paragraphs directly
following General Information. Do not change this wording or remove it from your notice.
-------
PUBLIC NOTICE
ATTENTION ALL tintm waur %tirm Nov I WATER USERS
TESTS SHOWED HIGH LEVELS OF TOTAL COLIFORM BACTERIA
PROBLEM HAS BEEN CORRECTED
As a public water system, we are required to monitor our drinking water for various contaminants.
Samples taken showed that total coliform bacteria were present in more
samples than permitted under drinking water standards. This means we were in violation of drinking
water standards because we exceeded the maximum contaminant level for total coliform. Subsequent
samples taken indicate that the problem has been corrected. Consumers do not
need to seek alternative water supplies or take other precautions. We are providing this notice for
your information according to public notification requirements.
General Information
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards and has
determined that the presence of total colifbrms is a possible health concern. Total coliforms are common in
die environment and are generally not harmful themselves. Hie presence of these bacteria in drinking water,
however, generally is a result of a problem with water treatment, or the pipes which distribute the water, and
indicates that die water may be contaminated with organisms that can cause disease.
Disease symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and possibly jaundice, and any associated
headaches and fatigue. These symptoms, however, are not just associated with disease-causing
organisms in drinking water, but also may be caused by a number of factors other than your drinking
water. EPA has set an enforceable drinking water standard for total coliforms to reduce the risk of
these adverse health effects. Under this standard, no more than 5.0 percent of the samples collected
during a month can contain these bacteria, except that systems collecting fewer than 40 samples/
month that have one total coliform-positive sample per month are not violating the standard. Drink-
ing water which meets this standard is usually not associated with a health risk from disease-causing
bacteria and should be considered safe.
The bacterial contamination was a result of '«w raaa, far noLaumt
The following steps were taken to correct this problem: /mun dacranat of sup w« uoki
Contact
For further information contact j*~aur mum cm** , at imm ulvheni mntnrl
Tier 1 Non-Acute
Total Coliform MCL Violation — Problem Corrected
Use this template when you violate the MCL for total coliforms and no fecal coliform or E. coli bacteria
are present This occurs if more than five percent of your monthly coliform samples are coliform posi-
tive, or, when fewer than 40 samples per month are collected, one sample is coliform positive. This
tpmplfltp, applies when you have already corrected the problem causing the violation.
- ur-——» Draft
-------
Tier 1 Non-Acute
Total Coliform MCL Violation —- Problem Corrected
Mandatory Health Effects Language: EPA has established mandatory language on the health effects
of regulated contaminants found in drinking water. Each public notice must include the appropriate
mandatory health effects language, word for word, for each contaminant for which your system is in
violation. The mandatory health effects language must be published intact; and it cannot be broken up
by inserted material. This language is already included in this template as the two paragraphs directly
following General Information. Do not change this wording or remove it from your notice.
annxn rwaft
Pufcf.V (nr Puhlir Wntrr
-------
PUBLIC NOTICE
ATTENTION ALL WATER USERS
TESTS SHOW HIGH thorn Nairn ofCemiammaUl LEVELS
IStumtartff PrffiMftMftfn1 MflWll .
As a public water system, we are required to monitor our drinking water for various contaminants.
Samples taken rfw-iit showed that water contained antoi mafrnr nnrftw of
This means we are in violation of drinking water standards because we
exceed the maximum contaminant level for ^ «— ofeenuammuaj
tubnidv tht orrffrfanmi at nit if "iW
(tdrnltfi irwiumt m"""*" mumn ar,n (flfe I" Mn"i t"nl,k ,ffitcu Iial* tale tmilttl
General Information
[INSERT MANDATORY HEALTH EFFECTS LANGUAGE HERE from Apptmia A)
The following steps are being taken to correct this problem: (uiHndacrwtimaftoayMmatoiti
Contact
For further information contact r««rt *ann nfirair rumm ew r*™1—»at fwrnt ukehau nmbtrt
Her 1 Non-Acute
General Chemlcal/Radlonucllde MCL Violation — Ongoing
Use this template when you violated the MCL for any of the regulated chemical or
radionuclide contaminants, other than nitrate/nitrite.
9/30/93 Draft
27
-------
Her 1 Non-Acute
General Chemical/Radionuclide MCL Violation — Ongoing
Precautionary Measures: Your state and local health officials will be able to assist you in determining
what precautionary measures to inform your customers to take. These measures may vary depending
on the severity of the violation. For example, if the MCL was minimally exceeded, you may include a
statement such as "Officials do not believe that contamination levels pose a serious threat and do not
recommend that residents seek an alternative source of drinking water". If, however, higher levels of
the contaminants) are found, it may be more appropriate to include a statement such as "Although
officials do not believe that contamination levels pose a serious threat, workers who have been ex-
posed to high levels of this contaminant may want to use bottled water for drinking water until levels
meet federal standards." Lastly, in situations where contamination levels are extreme, state and local
authorities may instruct you to recommend alternative water sources for all consumers. Contact your
state or local health officials for appropriate precautionary measures for your specific violation. You
should add a summary of that information to the title of your notice (e.g., BOIL YOUR WATER) to
alert people of the seriousness of the violation.
If officials recommend alternative sources of water, provide information in your notice where such
water sources can be obtained.
When recommending precautionary action to your customers, it is helpful to inform them that they
will be notified when the problem has been corrected If you make such a statement in your notice,
make sure you follow up!
Population at Rislc- Contact your state or local health officials to determine the population at risk for
your particular violation.
Mandatory Health Effects Language: EPA has established mandatory language on the health effects
of regulated contaminants found in drinking water. Each public notice must include the appropriate
mandatory health effects language, word for word, for each contaminant for which your system is in
violation. The mandatory health effects language must be published intact; and it cannot be broken up
by inserted material. This language is provided in Appendix A. Look up the contaminant for which
you are in violation of the MCL and insert it in your notice. Do not change this wording or omit it
from your notice.
** 1 Tl*—•'—-£— P u/^'"
-------
PUBLIC NOTICE
ATTENTION ALL »«gi waur sva*m Nam»i WATER USERS
¦)>
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE SURFACE WATER TREATMENT REQUIREMENTS
As a public water system supplied by a surface water source (or a ground water source under the
direct influence of surface water), we are required to filter and disinfect the water or to meet state and
federal filtration avoidance criteria. We are out of compliance with these requirements.
limn ate A noon of it* rielatimi .
General Information
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards and has
determined that the presence of microbiological contaminants are a health concern at certain levels of
exposure. If water is inadequately treated, microbiological contaminants in that water may cause
disease. Disease symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and possibly jaundice, and any
associated headaches and fatigue. These symptoms, however, are not just associated with disease-
causing organisms in drinking water, but also may be caused by a number of factors other than your
drinking water. EPA has set enforceable requirements for treating drinking water to reduce the risk of
these adverse health effects. Treatment such as filtering and disinfecting die water removes or de-
stroys microbiological contaminants. Drinking water which is created to meet EPA requirements is
associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe.
The following steps are being taken to correct this problem: d**rru*iM nfm, tnhmi ,
Contact
For further information contact mum p»nmi . at [imrt ulahm nmnbtri
Her 1 Non-Acute
Violation of Surface Water Treatment Requirements
Use this template when you have violated the filtration and disinfection requirements of the Surface
Water Treatment Rule or failed to meet state and federal filtration avoidance criteria. The Surface
Water Treatment rule applies to surface water systems and ground water systems under the direct
influence of surface water.
Public Notification for Public Water Systems
9/30/93 Draft
29
-------
Her 1 Non-Acute
Violation of Surface Water Treatment Requirements
Mandatory Health Effects Language: EPA has established mandatory language on the health effects
of regulated contaminants found in drinking water. Each public notice must include the appropriate
mandatory health effects language, word for word, for each contaminant for which your system is in
violation. The mandatory health effects language must be published intact; and it cannot be broken up
by inserted material. This language is already included in this template as the two paragraphs directly
following General Information. Do not change this wording or remove it from your notice.
onruo'i rwoft
lir Nnti/iraiwn for Public Water Systems
-------
PUBLIC NOTICE
ATTENTION ALL iimtrt Waur ^Ytrrm Mrm f WATER USERS
VIOLATION OF ROUTINE COUFORM TESTING SCHEDULE
As a public water system, we are required to take rtawrtd samples to test the
water for colifonn bacteria each . During imnmeiMti, wrl we only took
{insert number qf .mmplti mou lubmiltidl SflOlplCS and thCItfOK failed tO IDCCt dUS FCtjUlltlUCnL
Failure to monitor the quality of the water reaching the consumer could allow contamination of the
water system to go undetected for extended periods of time. However, this violation does not pose a
threat to the quality of the water. Consumers should not be alarmed and do not need to seek alterna-
tive water supplies.
(Inchd* nut paragraph if you tav* ptrfomtd substernal tatutg which thonmtd thai you wtr* w compia*c* with Om coliform iuadar&I
Subsequent testing shows that levels of coliform bacteria in the water do not exceed state and federal
standards. Drinking water which meets these standards for total colifonn is usually not associated
with a health risk from disease-causing bacteria and should be considered safe.
The regrets the mistake and will work to make sure that the testing schedule
is observed in the future. It is recognized that a complete monitoring program is of great value to
make certain that safe drinking water is provided to all customers.
For further information contact (<**»<««««t- r™-' at —ivumuiuhanttumiitri •
• Her 2
Total Coliform Monitoring Violation (Subsequent Monitoring Negative)
Use this template when you did not take the required number of samples under the total
coliform rule.
Ptihlir Vnfrnn ^fir Ptthtir W/ltrr yvrf^wtt
9/30/93 Draft
71
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Tier 2
Total Coliform Monitoring Violation (Subsequent Monitoring Negative)
Subsequent Monitoring Results Negative: This template is to be used when you are in violation of the
routine colifonn monitoring schedule. It can be used whether or not you have taken additional
samples since your violation. If you have performed subsequent testing that shows that you are in
compliance with coliform standards, it would be beneficial to make your customers aware of that fact
Paragraph three of this template contains language that can be used in these cases. If you have not
performed subsequent testing, omit paragraph three from this template.
Mandatory Health Effects Language: Mandatory Health Effects Language is not required for moni-
toring violations.
Aj1* PuA/rV Cyr#jmf
-------
n
PUBLIC NOTICE
ATTENTION ALL Unitrt Wattr SttUm Nam*I WATER USERS
VIOLATION OF ROUTINE MONITORING REQUIREMENTS FOR » '—'
As a public water system, we are required to monitor our drinking water for various contaminants.
fuaert water rvsuni nam*} failed to subiuit the required nuiiibK of samples for fatt* if cnmninuunii
during riAnrt,«*4T»m*(i This is a violation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's
drinking water regulations which require a minimum of thumn n^ortAufzamni^i samples per
futMrt lam from* h , vtar)l lauart
-------
Tier 2
General Chemical/Radionuclide Monitoring Violation;
Monitoring Planned, But Not Yet Completed
Mandatory Health Effects Language: Mandatory Health Effects Language is not required for Tier 2
monitoring violations.
Q/Wn Draft
Public Notification for Public Water Systems
-------
PUBLIC NOTICE
ATTENTION ALL fhatrt WaUr Svsum Nam*I WATER USERS
LEAD AND COPPER TAP WATER SAMPLING COMPLETED LATE
As a public water system, we are required to monitor our drinking water for various contaminants.
Such monitoring must occur in specified time frames. We arc required to inform you that we failed to
meet the tap water monitoring requirements for lead and copper during the first/second (emu <**]
monitoring period of tmstn 6 !««*» tim* few) . We completed this monitoring on liiutn denial—•
The regrets the mistake and will work to make sure that the testing sched-
ule is observed in the future. It is recognized that a complete monitoring program is of great value to
malffi certain that safe drinking water is provided to all customers.
For further information contact luaartiuumalrmurraumamtactptrtiml . at (imrtItiahentrumbirl
Tier 2
Failure 1o Complete Tap Water Sampling Under the Lead and Copper Rule;
Monitoring Completed Late
Use this template when you have completed lead and copper tap water sampling late.
Puhlie NotiHratian for Public Waie£_S^£]OS.
9/30/93 Draft
-------
Tier 2
Failure to Complete Tap Water Sampling Under the Lead and Copper Rule;
Monitoring Completed Late
Mandatory Health Effects Language: Mandatory Health Effects Language is not required for moni-
toring violations.
-------
PUBLIC NOTICE
ATTENTION ALL rbutrt Waur SiutimNamtl WATER USERS
LEAD AND COPPER TAP WATER SAMPLING BEHIND SCHEDULE
As a public water system, we are required to monitor our drinking water for various contaminants.
Such monitoring must occur in specified time frames. We aze required to inform you that we failed to
meet the tap water monitoring requirements for lead and copper during the first/second (arcu on*/
monitoring period of s fram*i . We expect to complete the monitoring by lumn itiufit/
The iMrtmuKMotwaiemstimi regrets the mistake and will work to make sure that the testing schedule
is observed in the future. It is recognized that a complete monitoring program is of great value to
make certain that safe drinking water is provided to all customers.
For further information COntaCt lM,rr mamiaftaumrrimaMArl ptrtaml . at (limn uiiyhmt nmbeTl -
Tier 2
Failure to Complete Tap Water Sampling Under the Lead and Copper Rule;
Monitoring In Process
Use this template when you missed the deadline for lead and copper tap water sampling but are in the
process of monitoring.
PiiWiV hJ/\tiGr/itirin fnr Public Waltr SvStCftlS
9/30/93 Draft
37
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Tier 2
Failure to Complete Tap Water Sampling Under the Lead and Copper Rule;
Monitoring In Process
Mandatory Health Effects Language; Mandatory Health Effects Language is not required for moni-
toring violations.
-------
PUBLIC NOTICE
ATTENTION ALL Iltutrt WaUr SvsUm Namt I WATER USERS
Dear User,
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires that we send you this notice on the level of
fluoride in your drinking water. The drinking water in your community has a fluoride concentration of
fuaen fiuoruu levtii milligrams per liter (mg/I).
Federal regulations require that fluoride, which occurs naturally in your water supply, not exceed a
concentration of 4.0 mg/1 in drinking water. This is an enforceable standard called a Maximum Con-
taminant Level (MCL), and it has been established to protect the public health. Exposure to drinking
water levels above 4.0 mg/1 for many years may result in some cases of crippling skeletal fluorosis,
which is a serious bone disorder.
Federal law also requires that we notify you when monitoring indicates that the fluoride in your
drinking water exceeds 2.0 mg/1. This is intended to alert families about dental problems that might
affect children under nine years of age. The fluoride concentration of your water exceeds this federal
guideline.
Fluoride in children's drinking water at levels of approximately 1 mg/l reduces the number of dental
cavities. However, some children exposed to levels of fluoride greater than about 2.0 mgfl may
develop dental fluorosis. Dental fluorosis in its moderate and severe forms, is a brown staining and/or
pitting of the permanent teeth.
Because dental fluorosis occurs only when developing teeth (before they erupt from the gums) are
exposed to elevated fluoride levels, households without children are not expected to be affected by
this level of fluoride. Families with children under the age of nine are encouraged to seek other
sources of drinking water for their children to avoid the possibility of staining or pitting.
Your water supplier can lower the concentration of fluoride in your water so that you will still receive
the benefits of cavity prevention while the possibility of stained and pitted teeth is minimized. Re-
moval of fluoride may increase your water costs. Treatment systems are also commercially available
for home use. Information on such systems is available at the address given below. Low fluoride
bottled drinking water that would meet all standards is also commercially available.
For further information, contact (m rirr mm c*°"* — at
your water system.
Yours truly,
fmstrt waur i>#urn contort namtj
Special Requirements
Exceeding Secondary Standard for Fluoride
Use this template when you have exceeded the secondary MCL for fluoride, but remained below the
primary MCL (i.e., your fluoride level is between 2.0 and4.0 rng/1).
PuMir VnfiV»r/iffVi#i for Puhlir Wfiler
i Draft
-------
Special Requirements
Exceeding Secondary Standard for Fluoride
Mandatory Health Effects Language: EPA has established mandatory language on the health effects
of regulated contaminants found in drinking water. Each public notice must include the appropriate
mandatory health effects language, word for word, for each contaminant for which your system is in
violation. The mandatory health effects language must be published intact; and it cannot be broken up
by inserted material. The entire body of the fluoride letter is, in fact, the mandatory language that was
established by EPA for fluoride. Do not change the content or order of this wording.
9/30/93 Draft
Public Notification far Public Water Systems
-------
(liutrt Waitr Sysum Addrtti}
Ilium Oattj
PUBLIC NOTICE
ATTENTION ALL tInert Waur System Ntamt WATiER USERS
UNREGULATED CONTAMINANT MONITORING RESULTS AVAILABLE
Dear Customer,
As a public water system, we are required to monitor our drinking water for various contaminants for
which no federal drinking water standards have been established and to make the results of these
analyses available upon request
Analysis for imnrt number qf contaminants amtmxti unregulated contaminants was completed on imttn
. Anyone wishing to review the report or ask questions about its content may do so by contact-
ing faistrl name of waur rvtttm cantnrt ntnonl at [lIUM tchgtow IBBltfg/
ftf your waur u from a surface iuppfy, include On following paragraph ]
Testing will be repeated each quarter for one year. As results become available, you may review them
by contacting the person listed above.
Sincerely,
[Waur jysum contact ptrtmj
Special Requirements
Availability of Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Data
Use this template when you have completed monitoring for unregulated contaminants.
Pjthlir Nntifir.aiwn for Public Water Systems 9/30/93 Draft
-r ¦- % ' \ X 'k •>-»>*¦ "V1 "0\ ( », ¦*>„.< I
41
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Special Requirements
Availability of Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Data
For unregulated contaminants, all you are required to do is send a notice of availability of monitoring
results to your customers. You can, if you want to, send a copy of the results, but this is not required.
Surface Water Supplies: If your water is from a surface supply, include the third paragraph in the
template that reads: Testing will be repeated each quarter for one year. As results become available,
you may review them by contacting the person listed above.
QAflAW TVaft
Public Notification for Public Waur Systems
J j • > ' -i "v < i ' , i'.-'i a*-. A' % "
-------
Appendix A Mandatory Health Effects Language
EPA has established mandatory language on the health effects of regulated contaminants found in
drinking water. Each public notice must include (he appropriate mandatory health effects language, word for
word, for each contaminant for which your system is in violation. Hie mandatory health effects language must
be published intact; and it cannot be broken up by inserted material. Listed below are the contaminants currently
requiring mandatory health effects language. Language for additional contaminants will be developed when new
rules are promulgated and should be added to this section.
1) 1,1 -Dichloroethylene. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined that 1,1-dichloroethylene is a health concern at certain levels of exposure.
This chemical is used in industry and is found in drinking water as a result of the breakd own of related solvents.
Hie solvents are used as cleaners and degreasets of metals and generally get into drinking water by improper
waste disposal. This chemical has been shown to cause liver and kidney damage in laboratory animals such as
rats and mice when the anim als are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. Chemicils which cause adverse
effects in laboratory animals also may cause adverse health effects in humans who are exposed at lower levels
over long periods of time. EPA has set the enforceable drinking water standard for 1,1 -dichloroethylene at 0.007
parts per million (ppm) to reduce the risk of these adverse health effects which have been observed in laboratory
animals. Drinking water which meets this standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be
considered safe.
2) 1,1, J -Triehloroe thane. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined that 1,1,1-oichloroethane is a health concern at certain levels of exposure.
This chemical is used as a cleaner and de greaser of metals. It generally gets into drinking water by improper
waste disposal. This chemical has been shown to damage the liver, nervous system, anci circulatory system of
laboratory animals such as rats and mice when the animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. Some
industrial workers who were exposed to relatively large amounts of this chemical during their working careers
also suffered damage to the liver, nervous system, and circulatory system. Chemicals which cause adverse
effects among exposed industrial woricers and in laboratory animals also may cause adverse health effects in
humans who are exposed at lower levels over long periods of time. EPA has set the enforceable drinking water
standard for 1,1,1-trichloroethane at 0.2 parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse
health effects which have been observed in humans and laboratory animals. Drinking waier which meets this
standard is awriararf with to none of this risk and should be considered safe.
3) / ,2-Dichioroethane. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that 1 ^-dichioroethane is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This
chemical is used as a cleaning fluid for fats, oils, waxes, and resins. It generally gets into drinking water by
improper waste fHspr^al This chemical has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals such as rats and
mice when the animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. Chemicals that cause cancer in laboratory
animals also may increase the risk of cancer in humans who are exposed at lower levels over long periods of
time. EPA has set the enforceable drinking water standard for 1,2-dichloroethane at 0.C05 pans per million
(ppm) to reduce the risk of cancer or otter adverse health effects which have been observed in laboratory
animals. Drinking water which meets this standard is associated with tittle to none of this risk and should be
considered safe.
•
4) Benzene. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards
and has determined that benzene is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This chemical is used as a
solvent and degreaser of metals. It is also a major component of gasoline. Drinking water contamination
generally results from leaking underground gasoline and petroleum tanks or improper waste disposal This
chemical has been with significantly increased risks of leukemia among certain industrial workers
who were exposed to relatively large amounts of this chemical during their woriqnjfcareers. This chemical has
Public Notification for Public Water Systems 9/30^93 Draft
< ^ '"-J"* v V,,
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Appendix A Mandatory Health Effects Language
also been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals when the animals are exposed at high levels over their
lifetimes. Chemicals that cause increased risk of cancer among exposed industrial workers and in laboratory
animals also may increase the risk of cancer in humans who are exposed at lower levels over long periods of
time. EPA has set the enforceable clinking water standard for benzene at0.005parts per million (ppm) to reduce
the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects which have been observed in humans and laboratory animals.
Drinking water which meets this standard is associated with bale to none of this risk and should be considered
safe.
5) Carbon tetrachloride. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined that carbon tetrachloride is a health coocem at certain levels of exposure.
This chemical was once a popular household cleaning fluid. It generally gets into drinking water by improper
waste disposal. This chemical has been shown to cause cancerin laboratory animals such as rats and mice when
the animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. Chemicals dial cause cancer in laboratory animals
also may increase the risk of cancer in humans who are exposed at lower levels over long periods of time. EPA
has set the enforceable drinking water standard for carbon tetrachloride at 0.005 parts per million (ppm) to
reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects which have been observed in laboratory animals.
Drinking water which meets this standard is associated with Kale to none of this risk and should be considered
safe.
6) Fecal coliformslE. coli. Hie United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined that the presence of fecal conforms or E. coli is a serious health concern.
Fecal coliforms andE. coli are generally not harmful themselves, but their presence in drinking water is senous
because they usually are awv-iatprf with sewage or animal wastes. The presence of these bacteria in drinking
water is generally a result of a problem with watertreaanent or the pipes which distribute the water, and indicates
that the water may be contaminated with organisms that can cause disease. Disease symptoms may include
diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and possibly jaundice, and associated headaches and fatigue. These symptoms,
however, are not just associated with disease-causing organisms in drinking water, but also may be caused by
a number of factors other than your drinking water. EPAhas set an enforceable drinking water standard for fecal
coliforms and E. coli to reduce the risk of these adverse health effects. Under this standard all drinking water
samples must be ftee of these bacteria. Drinking water which meets this standard is associated with Hole (X none
of this risk and should be considered safe. State and local health authorities recommend that consumers take
the following precautions: [To be inserted by the public water system, according to instructions from State or
local authorities].
7) Fluoride. [Note: Notice of violations of the MCL for fluoride, notices of variances and exemptions
from the maximum contaminant level for fluoride, and notices of failure to comply with variance and exemption
sch^iiefprtte marimnm contaminant level for fluoride shall consist ofthe public notice prescribed in 40ctk
Part 143.5(b), plus a description of any steps which the system is taking to come into compliance. See the
template on page 39 of this workbook for specific language.]
8) Microbiological contaminants. The United Stales Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets
drinking water standards and has determined that the presence of microbiological contaminants are a health
concern at certain levels of exposure. If water is inadequately treated, microbiological contaminants in that
water may cahse disease. Disease symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and possibly jaundice, and
any associated headaches and fatigue. These symptoms, however, are not just associated with disease-causing
organisms in drinking water, but also may be caused by a number of factors other than your drinking water.
EPA has set enforceable requirements for treating drinking water to reduce the risk of these adverse health
effects. Treatment such as filtering and disinfecting the water removes or destroys microbiological contami-
nants. Drinking water which is treated to meet EPA requirements is associated with little to none of this risk
and should be considered safe.
A-2
9/30/93 Draft
Public Notification far Public Water Systems
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Appendix A Mandatory Health Effects Language
9) Para-dichLorobenzene: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined that para-dichlorobenzene is a health concern at ceitain levels of exposure.
This chemical is a component of deodorizers, moth balls, and pesticides. It generally gets into drinking water
by improper waste disposal The chemical has been shown to cause liver and kidney damage in laboratory
animals such as rats and mice when the animals are exposed at high levels over their Lifetimes. Chemicals which
cause adverse effects in laboratory animals also may cause adverse health effects in humans who are exposed
at lower levels over long periods of time. EPA has set the enforceable drinking water standard for para-
dichlorobenzene at 0.075 parts per million (ppm) to reduce the risk of these adverse health effects which have
been observed in laboratory animals. Drinking water which meets this standard is associated with little to none
of this risk and should be considered safe.
10) Total coliforms. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that the presence of total coliforms is a possible health concern. Total coliforms
are common in the environment and are generally not harmful themselves. The presence of these bacteria in
drinking water, however, generally is a result of a problem with water treatment or die pipes which distribute
the water, and indicates that the water may be contaminated with organisms that can cause disease. Disease
symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and possibly jaundice, and any aissociated headaches and
fatigue. These symptoms, however, are not just associated with disease-causing organisms in drinking water,
but also may be caused by a number of factors other than your drinking water. EPA has set an enforceable
drinking water standard for total coliforms to reduce die risk of these adverse health effects. Under this standard,
no more than 5.0 percent of the samples collected can contain these bacteria, except that systems collecting fewer
than 40 samples/month that have one total cotiform-positive sample per month are not violating the standard.
Drinking water which meets this standard is usually not associated with a health risk from disease-causing
bacteria and should be considered safe.
11) Trichloroetkylene. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that trichlotoethylene is a health concern at ceitain levels of exposure. This
chemical is a common metal cleaning and dry cleaning fluid. It generally gets into drinking water by improper
waste disposal. This chemical has been shown to cause cancerin laboratory animals suchas rats and mice when
the animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. Chemicals that cause cancer in laboratory animals
also may increase the risk of cancer in humans who are exposed at lower levels over Ion g periods of time. EPA
has set forth the enforceable drinking water standard for trichloroethylene at 0.005 parts per million (ppm) to
reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects which have been observed in laboratory animals.
Drinking water which meets this standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered
safe.
12) Vinyl chloride. The United Stales Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that vinyl chloride is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This chemical
is used in industry and is found in drinking water as a result of the breakdown of related i'oWeras. The solvents
are used as cleaners and degreasers of metals and generally get into drinking water by improper waste disposal.
This chemical has been associated with significantly increased risks of cancer among certain industrial woricers
who were exposed to relatively large amounts of this chemical during their working carects. This chemical has
also been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals when the animals are exposed at high levels over their
lifetimes. Chemicals that cause increased risk of cancer among exposed industrial wokeis and in laboratory
animals also may increase the risk of cancer in humans who are exposed at lower levels over kxig periods of
time. EPA has set the enforceable drinking water standard for vinyl chloride at 0.002 pans per million (ppm)
to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects which have been observed in humans and laboratory
animals. Drinking water which meets this standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be
considered safe.
PuK/t^ Air PiiWiV
>-.k , vs i , *¦ . ¦.vi.-j- • -.'i
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Appendix A Mandatory Health Effects Language
(13) Lead. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards
and has determined that lead is a health concern at certain exposure levels. Materials th^ rmrain have
frequently been used in the construction of water supply distribution systems, and plumbing systems in private
homes and other buildings. The most commonly found materials include service lines, pipes, brass and bronze
fixtures, and solders and fluxes. Lead in these materials can contaminate drinking water as a result of the
corrosion that takes place when water comes into contact with those materials. Lead can a variety of
adverse health effects in humans. At relatively low levels of exposure, these effects may include interference
with red blood cell chemistry, delays in normal physical and mental development in babies and young children,
slight deficits in the attention span, hearing, and learning abilities of children, and slight increases in the Mood
pressure of some adults. EPA's national primary drinking water regulation requires all public water systems
to optimize corrosion control to minimise lead contamination resulting from the corrosion of plumbing
materials. Public water systems serving 50,000 people or fewer that have lead concentrations below 15 parts
per billion (ppb) in more than 90% of up water samples (the EPA "action level") have optimized their corrosion
control treatment. Any water system that exceeds the action level must also monitor their source water to
determine whether treatment to remove leadin source water is needed. Any watersystem that continues toexceed
the action level after installation of corrosion control and/or source water treatment must eventually replace all
lead service lines contributing in excess of 15 (ppb) of lead to drinking water. Any watersystem that exceeds
the action level must also undertake a public education program to inform consumers of ways they can reduce
their exposure to potentially high levels of lead in drinking water.
(14) Copper. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards
and has determined that copper is a health concern at certain exposure levels. Copper, a reddish-brown metal,
is often used to plumb residential and commercial structures that are connected to waier distribution systems.
Copper contaminating drinking water as a corrosion byproduct occurs as the result of the corrosion of copper
pipes that remain in contact with water for a prolonged period of time. Copper is an essential nutrient, but at
high doses it has been shown to cause stomach and distress, liver and kidney ifarnag^ and anemia
Persons with Wilson's disease may be at a higher risk of health effects due to copper than the general public.
EPA' s national primary drinking water regulation requires all public water systems to install optimal corrosion
control to minimize copper contamination resulting from the corrosion of plumbing matatiaic Public water
systems serving 50,000 people or fewer that have copper concentrations below 1.3 parts per million (ppm) in
more than 90% of tap water samples (the EPA "action level") are not required to install or improve their
treatment Any water system that exceeds the action level must also monitor their source water to determine
whether treatment to remove copper in source water is needed
(15) Asbestos. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that asbestos fibers greater than 10 micrometers in length are a health concern
at certain levels of exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. Most asbestos fibers in drinking water
are less than 10 micrometers in length and occur in drinking water from natural sources and from conoded
asbestos-cement pipes in the distribution system. The major uses of asbestos were in die production of cements,
floor tiles, paper products, paint, and caulking; in transportation-related applications; and in the production of
textiles and plastics. Asbestos was once a popular insulating and fire retardammaterial Inhalation studies have
shown that various forms of asbestos have produced lung tumors in laboratory animals. The available
inform ation on the risk of developing gastrointestinal tract cancer associated with the ingestion of asbestos htm
drinking water is limited. Ingestion of intermediate-range chry sotile asbestos fibers greater than 10 micrometers
in length is associated with causing benign tumors in male rats. Chemicals that cause cancer in laboratory
animals also may increase the ride of cancer in humans who are exposed over long periods of time. EPA has
set the drinking water standard for asbestos at 7 million long fibers per literto reduce the potential risk of cancer
or other adverse health effects which have been observed in laboratory animals. Drinking water which meets
the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe with respect to
asbestos.
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Appendix A Mandatory Health Effects Language
(16) Barium. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards
and has determined that barium is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This inorganic chemical occurs
naturally in some aquifers that serve as sources of ground water. It is also used in oil and gas drilling muds,
automotive paints, bricks, tiles and jet fuels. It generally gets into drinking water after dissolving bom naturally
occurring minerals in the ground. This chemical may damage the heart and cardiovascular system, and is
associated with high blood pressure in laboratory animals such as rats exposed to high levels during their
lifetimes. In humans, EPA believes that effects from barium on blood pressure should not occur below 2 parts
per million (ppm) in drinking water. EPA has set the drinking water standard for barium at 2 parts per million
(ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking water that meets the EPA standard
is associated with little to none of this risk and is considered safe with respect to barium.
(17) Cadmium. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that cadmium is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. Food and the
smoking of tobacco are common sources of general exposure. This inorganic metal is a contaminant in the metals
used to galvanize pipe. It generally gets into water by corrosion of galvanized pipes or by improper waste
disposal. This chemical has been shown to damage the kidney in animals such as rats and micewhen the animals
are exposed at High levels over their lifetimes. Some industrial workers who were exposed to relatively large
amounts of this chemical during working careers also suffered damage to be kidney. EPA has set the drinking
water standard for cadmium at0.005 parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health
effects. Drinking water that meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and is considered
safe with respect to cadmium.
(18) Chromium. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that chromium is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This inorganic
metal occurs naturally in the ground and is often used in the electro-plating of metals. It generally gets into water
from runoff from old mining operations aol improper waste disposal from plating operations. This chemical
has been shown to damage the kidney, nervous system, and the circulatory system of laboratory animals such
as rats and mice when Oie animals are exposed at high levels. Some humans who were exposed to high levels
of this chemical suffered liver and kidney damage, dermatitis and respiratory problems. EPA has set the drinking
water standard for chromium at 0.1 parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health
effects. Drinking water that meets the EPA standard is associated with little tononeof this risk and is considered
safe with respect to chromium.
(19) Mercury. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that mercury is ahealth concern at certain levelsof exposure. This inorganic metal
is used in electrical equipment and some water pumps. It usually gets into water as a result of improper waste
disposal. This chemical has been shown to damage the kidney of laboratory animals such as rats when the
animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. EPA has set the drinking water standard for mercury at
0.002part per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking water that meets
the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and is considered safe with respect to mercury.
(20) Nitrate. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards
and has determined that nitrate poses an acute health concern at certain levels of exposure. Nitrate is used in
fertilizer and is found in sewage and wastes from human and/or farm animals and generally gets into drinking
water from those activities. Excessive levels of nitrate in drinking water have caused serious illness and
sometimes death in infants under six months of age. The serious illness in infants is caused because nitrate is
converted to nitrite in the body. Nitrite interferes with the oxygen carrying capacity of the child's blood. This
is an acute disease in that symptoms can develop rapidly in infants. In most cases, health deteriorates over a
period days. Symptoms iptfvde shortness of breath and blueness of the slrin. Clearly, expert medical advice
should be sought immediately if these symptoms occur. The purpose of this notice ts to encourage parents and
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Appendix A Mandatory Health Effects Language
other responsible parties to provide infants with an alternate source of drinking water. Local and State health
authorities are the best source for information concerning alternate sources of drinking water for infants. EPA
has set the drinking water standard at 10 parts per million (ppm) for nitrate to protect against the risk of these
adverse effects. EPA has also set a drinking water standard for nitrite at 1 ppm. To allow for the fact that the
toxicity of nitrate and nitrite are additive, EPA has also established a standard for the sum of nitrate and nitrite
at 10 ppm. Drinking water that meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and is
considered safe with respect to nitrate.
(21) Nitrite. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards
and has determined that nitrite poses an acute health concern at certain levels of exposure. This inorganic
chemical is used in fertilizers and is found in sewage and wastes from humans and/or farm animals and generally
gets into drinking water as a result of those activities. While excessive levels of nitrite in drinking water have
not been observed, other sources of nitrite have caused serious illness and sometimes death in infants under six
months of age. The serious illness in infants is caused because nitrite interferes with the oxygen carrying capacity
of the child's blood. This is an acute disease in that symptoms can develop rapidly. However, in most cases,
health deteriorates over a period of days. Symptoms include shortness ofbreath and blueness of the slrm Cleari y,
expert medical advice should be sought immediately if these symptoms occur. The purpose of this notice is to
encourage parents and other responsible parties to provide infants with an alternate source of drinking water.
Local and State health authorities are the hest source for information mnc*ming alternate srairrp*. nf /jrinlring
water forinfants. EPA has set the drinking water standard at 1 partpermilHon(ppm) for nitrite to protect against
the risk of these adverse effects. EPA has also set a drinking water standard for nitrate (convened to nitrite in
humans) at 10 ppm and for the sum of nitrate and nitrite at lOppm. Drinking water thatmeets the EPA standard
is associated with little to none of this risk and is considered safe with respect to nitrite.
(22) Selenium. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that selenium is a health concern at certain high levels of exposure. Selenium is
also an essential nutrient at low levels of exposure. This inorganic chemical is found naturally in food and soils
and is used in electronics, photocopy operations, the manufacture of glass, chemicals, drugs, and as a fungicide
and a feed additive. In humans, exposure to high levels of selenium over a long period of time has resulted in
a number of adverse health effects, including a loss of feeling and control in the arms and legs. EPA has set the
drinking water standard for selenium at 0.05 parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse
health effects. Drinking water that meets the EPA standard is associated with Utile to none of this risk and is
considered safe with respect to selenium.
(23) Acrylamide. Tie United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that acrylamide is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. Polymers made
from acrylamide are sometimes used to treat water supplies to remove paniculate contaminants. Acrylamide
has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals such as rats and mice when the animals are exposed at
high levels over their lifetimes. Chemicals that cause cancer in laboratory animals also may increase the risk
of cancer in humans who are exposed overlong periods of time. Sufficiently large doses of acrylamide are known
to cause neurological injury. EPA has set the drinking water standard for acrylamide using a treatment technique
to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects which have been observed in laboratory animals. This
treatment technique limits the amount of acrylamide in the polymer and the amount of the polymer which may
be added to drinking water to remove particulates. Drinking water systems which comply with this treatment
technique have little to no risk and are considered safe with respect to acrylamide.
(24) Alachlor. The United Stales Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that alachlor is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. Tins organic
chemical is a widely used pesticide. When soil and climatic conditions are favorable, alachlor may get into
drinking water by runoff into surface water or by leaching into ground water. Thif chemical has been shown
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Appendix A Mandatory Health Effects Language
to cause cancer in laboratory animals such as rats and mice when the animals are exposed at high levels over
their lifetimes. Chemicals that cause cancerin laboratory animals also may increase the risk of cancerinhumans
who are exposed over long periods of time. EPA has set the drinking water standard for alachlor at0.002 parts
per million (ppm) to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects which have been observed in
laboratory animals. Drinking water that meets this standard is associated with little to none of this risk and is
considered safe with respect to alachlor.
(25) Aldicarb. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that aldicart) is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. Aldicarb is a widely
used pesticide. Under certain soil and climatic conditions (e.g., sandy soil and high rainfall), aldicart) may leach
into ground water after normal agricultural applications to crops such as potatoes or peanuts or may enter
drinking water supplies as a result of surface runoff. This chemical has been shown to damage the nervous
system in laboratory animals such as rats and dogs exposed to high levels. EPA has set the drinking water
standard for aldicart) at 0.003 parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of adverse health effects.
Drinking water that meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk ad is considered safe
with respect to aldicarb.
(26) Aldicarb sulfoxide. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined that aldicarb sulfoxide is a health concern at certain levels of exposure.
Aldicarb is a widely used pesticide. Aldicarb sulfoxide in ground water is primarily a breakdown product of
aldicarb. Under certain soil and climatic conditions (e.g., sandy soil and high rainfall), aldicarb sulfoxide may
leach into ground water after normal agricultural applications to crops such as potatoes or peanuts or may enter
drinking water supplies as a result of surface runoff. This chemical has been shown to damage the nervous
system in laboratory animals such as rats and dogs exposed to high levels. EPA has set the drinking water
standard for aldicarb sulfoxide at 0.004 parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of adverse health
effects. Drinking w ater that meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and is considered
safe with respect to aldicarb sulfoxide.
(27) Aldicarb sulfone. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sees drinking water
standards and has determined that aldicarb sulfone is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. Aldicart)
is a widely used pesticide. Aldicarb sulfone is formed from die breakdown of aldicarb and is considered for
registration as a pesticide under the name aldoxycarb. Under certain soil and climatic conditions (e.g., sandy
soil and high rainfall), aldicarb sulfone may leach into ground water after normal agricultural applications to
crops such as potatoes or peanuts or may enter drinking water supplies as a result of surface runoff. This
chemical has been shown to damage the nervous system in laboratory animals such as rats and dogs exposed
to high levels. EPA has set the drinking water standard for aldicarb sulfone at 0.002 parts per million (ppm)
to protect against the risk of adverse health effects. Drinking water that meets toe EPA standard is associated
with little to none of this risk and is considered safe with respect to aldicarb sulfone.
(28) Atrazine. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that atrazine is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic
chemical is a herbicide. When soil and climatic conditions are favorable, atrazine may get into drinking water
by runoff into surface water or by leaching into ground water. This chemical has been shown to affect off-spring
of rats and the heart of dogs. EPA has set the drinking water standard for atrazine at 0.003 pans per million
(ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking water that meets the EPA standard
is associate with little to nore of this risk and is considered safe with respect to atrazine.
(29) Carbqfuran. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that carbofuran is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic
chemical is a pesticide. When soil and climatic conditions are favorable, carbofuran may get into drinking water
Public Notification for Public Water Systems 9/30^93 Draft
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Appendix A Mandatory Health Effects Language
by runoff into surface water or by leaching into ground water. This chemical has been shown to damage the
nervous and reproductive systems of laboratory animals such as rats and mice exposed at high levels over their
lifetimes. Some humans who were exposed to relatively large amounts of this chemical during their working
careen also suffered damage to the nervous system. Effects on the nervous system are generally rapidly
reversible. EPA has set the drinking water standard for cartoofuran at 0.04 parts per million (ppm) to protect
against the risk of these advene health effects. Drinking water that meets the EPA standard is associated with
little to none of this risk and is considered safe with respect to carbofuran.
(30) Chlordane. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that chlordane is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic
chemical is a pesticide used control termites. Chlordane is not very mobile in soils. It usually gets into drinking
water after application near water supply intakes or wells. This chemical has been shown to cause cancer in
laboratory animals such as rats and mice when die animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes.
Chemicals that cause cancer in laboratory animals also may increase the risk of cancer in humans who are
exposed over long periods of time. EPA has set the drinking water standard for chlordane at 0.002 parts per
million (ppm) to reduce the risk of canceror other adverse health effects which have been observed in laboratory
animals. Drinkingwaterthatmeets the EPAstandand is associated with little to noneofthis risk and is considered
safe with respect to chlordane.
(31) Dibromochloropropane (DBCP). Hie United States Environmereal Protection Agency (EPA)
sets drinking water startards and has determined that DBCP is a health concern at certain levels of exposure.
This organic chemical was once a popular pesticide. When soil and climatic conditions are favorable,
dibromochloropropane may get into drinking water by runoff into surface water or by leaching into ground
water. This chemical has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals such as rats and mice when the
animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. Chemicals that cause cancer in laboratory animals also
may increase the risk of cancer in humans who are exposed over long periods of time. EPA has set the drinking
water standard for DBCP at0.0002 parts per million (ppm) to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health
effects which have been observed in laboratory animals. Drinking water that meets the EPA standard is
associated with little to none of this risk and is considered safe with respect to DBCP.
(32) o-Dichloroberuene. The Urrited States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined that cKiichlorobenzene is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This
organic chemical is used as a solvent in the production of pesticides and dyes. It generally gets into water by
improper waste disposal. This chemical has been shown to damage the liver, kidney and die blood cells of
laboratory animals such as rats and mice exposed to high levels during their lifetimes. Some industrial workers
w ho were exposed to relatively large amounts of this chemical during working careers also suffered damage to
the liver, nervous system, and circulatory system. EPA has set the drinking water standard for o-dichloroben-
zene at 0.6 parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking water
that meets the EPA stanlanl is associated with little to none of this risk and is considered safe with respect to
o-dichlorobenzene.
(33) cis-12-Dichloroethylene. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes
drinking water standards and has determined that cis-1,2-dichloroethylene is a health concern at certain levels
of exposure. This organic chemical is used as a solvent and intermediate in chemical production. It generally
gets into water by improper waste disposal. This chemical has been shown to damage the liver, nervous system,
and circulatory system of laboratory animals such as tats and mice when exposed at high levels over their
lifetimes. Some humans who were exposed to relatively large amounts of this chemical also suffered damage
to the nervous system. EPA has set the drinking water standard for cis-1,2-dichloroethyiene at 0.07 parts per
million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects. Dnnking water that meets the EPA
standard is associated with little to none of this risk and is considered saf? with respect to cis-1.2-
dichloroethylene.
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Appendix A Mandatory Health Effects Language
(34) trans-12-Die hloroe thy lene. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estab-
lishes drinking water standards and has determined that trans-1,2-dichloroethylene is a health concern at certain
levels of exposure. This organic chemical is used as a solvent and intermediate in chemical production. It
generally gets into water by improper waste disposal. This chemical has been shown to damage the liver, nervous
system, and the circulatory system of laboratory animals such as rats and mice when exposed at high levels over
their lifetimes. Some humans who were exposed to relatively large amounts of this chemical also suffered
damage to the nervous system. EPA has set drinking water standard for trans-1,2-dichloroethylene ai 0.1 pans
per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking water that meets the EPA
standard is associated with little to none of this risk and is considered safe with respect to trans-1,2-
dichloroethylene.
(35) 12-Dichloropropane. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined that 1,2-dichtoropropane is a health concern at certain levels of exposure.
This organic chemical is used as a solvent and pesticide. When soil and climatic conditions are favorable, 1,2-
dichloropropane may get into drinking water by runoff into surface water or by leaching into ground water. It
may also get into drinking water through improper waste disposal. This chemical has been shown to cause cancer
in laboratory animals such as rats and mice when the animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes.
Chemicals that ciwe cancer in laboratory animals also may increase the risk of cancer in humans who are
exposed over long periods of time. EPA has set the drinking water standard for 1,2-dichloropropane at 0.005
parts per million (ppm) to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects which have been observed
in laboratory animals. Drinking water that meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk
and is considered safe with respect to 1,2-dichloropropane.
(36)2,4-0. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards
and has determined thai 2,4-D is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic chemical is used
as a herbicide and to control algae in reservoirs. When soil and climatic conditions are favorable, 2,4-D may
get into drinking water by runoff into surface water or by leaching into ground water. This chemical has been
shown to damage the liver and kidney of laboratory animals such as rats exposed at high levels during their
lifetimes. Some humans who were exposed to relatively large amounts of this chemical also suffered damage
to the nervous system. EPA has set the drinking water standard for 2,4-D at 0.07 pans per million (ppm) to
protect against the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking water that meets the EPA standard is associated
with little to none of this risk and is considered safe with respect to 2,4-D.
(37) Epichlorohydrin. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has detennired that epichlorohydrin is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. Polymers
made from epichlorohydrin are sometimes used in the treatment of water supplies as a flocculent to remove
particulates. Epichlorohydrin generally gets into drinking water by improper use of these polymers. This
chemical has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals such as rats and mice when the animals are
exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. Chemicals that cause cancer in laboratory animals also may increase
the risk of cancer in humans who are exposed over long periods of time. EPA has set the drinking water standard
for epichlorohydrin using a treatment technique to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects which
have bfrn observed in laboratory animals. This treatment technique limits the amount of epichlorohydrin in the
polymer and the amount of tl* polymer which may be added to drinking water as a flocculent to remove
particulates. Drinking water systems which comply with this treatment technique have little to no risk and are
considered safe with respect to epichlorohydrin.
(38) Ethylbenzene. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined ethylbenzene is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic
chemical is a major component of gasoline. It generally gets into water by improper waste disposal or leaking
gasoline tanks. This chemical has been shown to damage the kidney, liver, and nefvois system of laboratory
animal'; such as rats exposed to high levels during their lifetimes. EPA has set the drinking water standard for
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Appendix A Mandatory Health Effects Language
ethylbenzene at 0.7 part per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking
water that meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and is considered safe with respect
to ethylbenzene.
(39) Ethylbenzene dibromide (EDB). The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets
drinking water standards and has determined that EDB is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This
organic chemical was once a popular pesticide. When soil and climatic conditions are favorable. EDB may get
into drinking water by runoff into surface water or by leaching into ground water. This chemical has been shown
to cause cancer in laboratory animals such as rats and mice when the animals are exposed at high levels over
their lifetimes. Chemicalsthatcause cancerin laboratory animals also may increase the risk of cancerin humans
who are exposed over long periods of time. EPA has set the drinking water standard for EDB at 0.00005 pan
per million (ppm) to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects which have been observed in
laboratory animals. Drinking water that meets this standard is associated with little to none of this risk and is
considered safe with respect to EDB.
(40). Heptachlor. Hie United Sates Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that heptachlor is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic
chemical was once a popular pesticide. When soil and climatic conditions are favorable, heptachlor may get into
drinking water by runoff into surface water or by leaching into ground water. This chemical has been shown
to cause cancer in laboratory animals such as rats and mice when the animals are exposed at high levels over
their lifetimes. Chemicals that cause cancerin laboratory animals also may increase the risk of cancer inhumans
who are exposed over long periods of time. EPA has set the drinking water standards for heptachlor at 0.0004
part per million (ppm) to reduce the risk, of cancer or other adverse health effects which have been observed in
laboratory animals. Drinking water that meets this standard is associated with little to none of this risk and is
considered safe with respect to heptachlor
(41) Heptachlor epoxide. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined that heptachlor epoxide is a health concern at certain levels of exposure.
This organic chemical was once apopular pesticide. When soil and climatic conditions are favorable, heptachlor
epoxide may get into drinking water by runoff into surface water or by leaching into ground water.This chemical
has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals such as rats and mice when the animals are exposed at
high levels over their lifetimes. Chemicals that cause cancer in laboratory animals also may increase the risk
of cancer in humans who are exposed over long periods of time. EPA has set the drinking water standards for
heptachlor epoxide at0.0002 part per million (ppm) to reduce the ride of cancer or other adverse health effects
which have been observed in laboratory animals. Drinking waterthatmeets this standard is associate! with little
to none of this risk and is considered safe with respect to heptachlor epoxide.
(42) Lindane. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that lindane is ahealth concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic chemical
is used as a pesticide. When soil and climatic conditions are favorable, lindane may get into drinking water by
runoff into surface water or by leaching into ground water. This chemical has been shown to damage the liver,
kidney, nervous system, and immune system of laboratory animals such as rats, mice and dogs exposed at high
levels during their lifetimes. Some humans who were exposed to relatively large amounts of this chemical also
suffered damage to the nervous system and circulatory system. EPA has established the drinking water standard
for lindane at0.0002 part per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking
water that meets the EPA standard is associated with little tononeof this risk and is considered safe with respect
to lindane. r
(43) Methoxychlor. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that methoxychlor is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic
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Appendix A Mandatory Health Effects Language
chemical is used as a pesticide. When soil and climatic conditions are favorable, methoxychlor may get into
drinking water by nuioff into surface water or by leaching into ground water. This chemical has been shown
to damage the liver, kidney, nervous system, and reproductive system oflaboratory animals such as rats exposed
at high levels during their lifetimes. It has also been shown to produce growth retardation in rats. EPA has set
the drinking water standard for methoxychlor at 0.04 part per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these
adverse health effects. Drinking water that meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk
and is considered safe with respect to methoxychlor.
(44) Monochlorobenzene. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined that monochlorobenzene is a health concern at certain levels of exposure.
This organic chemical is used as a solvent. It generally gets into water by improper waste disposal. This chemical
has been shown to damage the liver, kidney and nervous system of laboratory animals such as rats and mice
exposed to high levels during their lifetimes. EPA has set the drinking wain standard for monochlorobenzene
atO.l part per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adve rse health e fleets. Drinking waterthat meets
the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and is considered safe with respect to
monochlorobenzene.
(45) Potychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
sets drinking water standards and has determined that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a health concern
at certain levels of exposure. These organic chemicals were once widely used in electrical transformers and other
industrial equipment They generally get into drinking water by improper waste disposal or leaking electrical
industrial equipment. This chemical has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals such as rats and mice
when the animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. Chemicals that cause cancer in laboratory
animals also may increase the risk of cancer in humans who are exposed over long periods of time. EPA has
set the drinking water standard for PCBs at 0.0005 part per million (ppm) to reduce the risk of cancer or other
adverse health effects which have been observed in laboratory animals. Drinking water that meets this standard
is associated with little to none of this risk and is considered safe with respect to PCBs.
(46) Peniachlorophenol. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined that pentachlorophenol is a health concern at certain levels of exposure.
This organic chemical is used as a wood preservative, herbicide, disinfectant, and defoliant. It generally gets
into drinking wate r by runoff into surface water or leaching into ground water. This chemical has been shown
to produce adverse reproductive effects and to damage the liver and kidneys of laboratory animals such as rats
exposed to high Levels during their lifetimes. Some humans who were exposed to relatively large amounts of this
chemical also suffered damage to the liver and kidneys. This chemical has been shown to cause cancer in
laboratory animals such as rats and mice when the animals are exposed to high levels over their lifetimes.
Chemicals that cause cancer in laboratory animals also may increase the risk of cancer in humans who are
exposed over long periods of time. EPA has set the drinking water standard for pentachlorophenol at 0.001 part
per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects. Drinking water that meets
the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and is considered safe with respect to
pentachlorophenol
(47) Styrene. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards
and has determined that styrene is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic chemical is
commonly used to make plastics and is sometimes a component of resins used for drinking water treatment
Styrene may get into drinking water from improper waste disposal. This chemical has been shown to damage
the liver and nervous system in laboratory animals when exposed at high levels during their lifetimes. EPA has
setthedrinkingwater standard for styrene atO.l part per million (ppm)to protect against die riskofthese adverse
health effects. Drinking water that meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and is
considered safe with respect to styrene.
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Appendix A Mandatory Health Effects Language
(48) Tetrachloroethylene. The United Slates Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined that tetrachloroethylene is a health concern at certain levels of exposure.
This organic chemical has been a popular solvent, particularly for dry cleaning. It generally gets into drinking
water by improper waste disposal. This chemical has been shown to cause career in laboratory animals such
as rats and mice when the animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. Chemicals thai <-wfP cancer
in laboratory anim als also may increase the risk of cancer in humans who are exposed over long periods of time.
EPA has set the drinking water standard for tetrachloroethylene at 0.005 part per million (ppm) to reduce the
risk of cancer or other adverse health effects which have been observed in laboratory animals Drinking water
that meets this standards is associated with little to none of this risk and is considered safe with respect to
tetrachloroethylene.
(49) Toluene. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that toluene is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic chemical
is used as a solvent and in the manufacture of gasoline for airplanes. It generally gets into water by improper
waste disposal or leaking underground storage tanks. This chemical has been shown to damage the kidney,
nervous system, and circulatory system oflaboratory animals such as ratsand mice exposed to high levels during
their lifetimes. Some industrial workers who were exposed to relatively large amounts of this chemical during
working careers also suffered damage to the liver, kidney and nervous system. EPA has set the drinking water
standard for toluene at 1 part per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of adverse health effects. Drinking
water that meets the EPAstandard is assoaated with little to none of thLi risk andMcnmiA»rgdafr^thn»sppCT
to toluene.
(50) Toxaphene. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that toxaphene is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic
chemical was once a pesticide widely used on cotton, com, soybeans, pineapples and other crops. When soil
and climatic conditions are favorable, toxaphene may get into drinking water by runoff into surface water or
by leaching into ground water. This chemical has been shown to cause cancer in lahnr^ryy animate enrh at
and mice when the animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. riwmireiu that can«g cancer in
laboratory animals also may increase the risk of cancer in humans who are exposed over long periods of time.
EPA has set the drinking water standard for toxaphene at0.003 partper million (ppm) to reduce the risk of cancer
or other adverse health effects which have been observed in laboratory animals. Drinking water that meets this
standard is associated with little to none of this risk and is considered safe with respect to toxaphene.
(51) 2,4,5-TP. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that 2,4,5-TP is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic
chemical is used as a herbicide. When soil and climatic conditions are favorable, 2,4,5-TP may get into drinking
water by ninofF into surface water or by leaching into ground water. This chemical has been shown to damage
the liver and kidney oflaboratory animals such as rats and dogs exposed to high levels during their lifetimes.
Some industrial workers who were exposed to relatively large amounts of this chemical <*'rtng working careers
also suffered damage to the nervous system. EPA has set the drinking water starxiaid for 2,4,5-TP at 0.05 pan
per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking water that meets tte EPA
standard is associated with little to none of this risk and is considered safe with respect to 2,4,5-TP.
(5 2) Xylenes. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards
and has determined that xylene is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic chemical is used
in the manufacture of gasoline for airplanes and as a solvent for pesticides, and as a cleaner and degreaser of
metals. It usually gets into water by improper waste disposal. This chemical has been shown to damage the liver,
kidney and nervous system of laboratory animals such as rats and dogs exposed to high levels during tteir
lifetimes. Some humans who were exposed to relatively large amounts of this chemical also suffered damage
to the nervous system. EPA has set the drinking waters standard for xylene at 1 Quarts per million (ppm) to
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Appendix A Mandatory Health Effects Language
protect against the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking water that meets the EPA standard is associated
with little to none of this risk and is considered safe with respect to xylene.
(53) Antimony. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that antimony is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This inorganic
chemical occurs naturally in soils, ground water and surface waters and is often used in the flame retardant
industry. It is also used in ceramics, glass, batteries, fireworks and explosives. It may get into drinking water
through natural weathering of rock, industrial production, municipal waste disposal or manufacturing
processes. This chemical has been shown to decrease longevity, and altered Wood levels of cholesterol and
glucose in 1 aboratory animals such as rats exposed to high levels during their lifetimes. EPA has set the drinking
water standard for antimony at0.006 parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health
effects. Drinking water which meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should
be considered safe with respect to antimony.
(54) Beryllium. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that beryllium is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This inorganic
metal occurs naturally in soils, ground water and surface waters and is often used in electrical equipment and
electrical components. It generally gets into water from runoff from mining operations, discharge from
processing plants and improper waste disposal. Beryllium compounds have been associated with damage to the
bones and lungs and induction of cancer in laboratory animals such as rats and mice when the animals are
exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. There is limited evidence to suggest that beryllium may pose a cancer
risk via drinking water exposure. Therefore, EPA based the health assessment on noncancereffects with anextra
uncertainty factor to account for possible carcinogenicity. Chemicals that cause cancer in laboratory animals
also may increase the risk of cancer in humans who are exposed over long periods of time. EPA has set the
drinking water standard for beryllium at0.004parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse
health effects. Drinking water which meets the EPA standard is associated with tittle to none of this risk and
should be considered safe with respect to beryllium.
(55) Cyanide. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that cyanide is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. Tins inorganic
chemical is used in electroplating, steel processing, plastics, synthetic fabrics and fertilizer products. It usually
gets into water as a result of improper waste disposal This chemical has been shown to damage the spleen, brain
and liver of humans fatally poisoned with cyanide. EPA has set the drinking water standard for cyanide at 0.2
parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking water which meets
the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe with respect to
cyanide.
(56) Nickel. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards
and has determined that nickel poses a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This inorganic metal occurs
naturally in soils, ground water and surface waters and is often used in electroplating, stainless steel and alloy
products. It generally gets into water from mining and refining operations. Tins chemical has been shown to
damage the heart and liver in laboratory anim als when the animals are exposed to high levels over their lifetimes.
EPA has set the drinking water standard at 0.1 parts per million (ppm) for nickel to protect against the risk of
these adverse effects. Drinking water which meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk
and should be considered safe with respect to nickel.
(57) Thallium. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that thallium is a health concern at certain high levels of exposure. This inorganic
metal is found naturally in soils and is used in electronics, pharmaceutical, and the manufacture of glass and
alloys. This chemical has been shown to damage the kidney, liver, brain and intestines of laboratory animals
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Appendix A Mandatory Healtk Effects Language
when the animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. EPA has set the diinking water standard for
thallium at 0.002 pans per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking
water which meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and stould be considered safe
with respect to thallium.
(58) Benzo[ajpyrene. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that benzo[a]pyrene is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. Cigarette
smoke and charbroiled meats are common source of general exposure. The major source of benzo[a]pyrene in
drinking wateris leaching from coal tar lining and sealantsin water storage tanks.This chemical has been shown
to cause cancer in animals such as rats and mice when the animals are exposed at high levels. EPA has set the
drinking water standard for benzo[a]pyrene at 0.0002 parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of
cancer. Drinking w ater which meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should
be considered safe with respect to benzo[a]pyrene.
(59) Dalapon. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that dalapon is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic
chemical is a widely used herbicide. It m ay get into drinking water after application to control grasses in crops,
drainage ditches and along railroads. This chemical has been shown to cause damage to the kidney and liver
in laboratory animals when the animals are exposed ai high levels over their lifetimes. EPA has set the drinking
water standard at 0.2 parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking
water which meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe
with respect to dalapon.
(60) Dlchloromethane. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that dichlorcciethane (methylene chloride) is a health concern at cenain levels of
exposure. This organic chemical is a widely used solvent. It is used in the manufacture of paint remover, as a
metal degreaser and as an aerosol propellanL It generally gets into drinking water after improper discharge of
waste disposal. This chemical has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals such as rats and mice when
the animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. Chemicals that cause cancer in laboratory animals
also may increase the risk of cancer in humans who are exposed over long periods of time. EPA has set the
drinking water standard fordichloramethane at 0.005 pans per million (ppm) to reduce the risk of cancer or
other adverse health effects which have been observed in laboratory animals. Drinking water which meets this
standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe with respect to
dichloromethane.
(61) Di(2-ethylhexyl)adipaie. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets
drinking water standards and has determined that di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate is a health concern at cenain levels
of exposure. Di(2-ethylhexyf)adipate is a widely used plasticizer in a variety of products, including synthetic
rubber, food packaging materials and cosmetics. It may get into drinking water after improper waste disposal.
This chemical has been shown to damage liver and testes in laboratory animals such as rats and mice exposed
to high levels. EPA has set the drinking water standard for di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate at0.4 parts permillion (ppm)
to protect against the risk of adverse health effects. Drinking water which meets the EPA standards is associated
with little to'none of this risk and should be considered safe with respect to di(2-ethylhexyl)adipaie.
(62) Di(2-ethylhexyl)phdialate. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets
drinking water standards and has determined that di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate is a health concern at certain levels
of exposure. Di(2-ethylhexyl)phihalate is a widely used plasticizer, which is primarily used in the production
of polyvinyl chloride (PVQ resins. It may get into drinking water afterimproper waste disposal. This chemical
has been shown to cancer in laboratory animals such as rats and mice exposed to high levels over their
lifetimes. EPA has set the drinking water standard fordi(2-ethylhexyl)phihalate at0.004parts permillion (ppm)
omm
Puhlif hlntifie/tri/tH fnr Puhlir WnttrS'urtjm.t
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Appendix A Mandatory Health Effects Language
to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects which have been observed in laboratory animals.
Drinking water which meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be
considered safe with respect to di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate.
(63) Dinoseb. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that dinoseb is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. Dinoseb is a widely
used pesticide and generally gets into drinking water after application on orchards, vineyards and other crops.
This chemical has been shown to damage the thyroid and reproductive organs in laboratory animals such as rats
exposed to high levels. EPA has set the drinking water standard for dinoseb at 0.007 pans per million (ppm)
to protect against the ride of adverse health effects. Drinking water which meets the EPA standard is associated
with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe with respect to dinoseb.
(64) Diquat.The United Stales Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking wawr standards
and has determined that diquat is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic chemical is a
herbicide used to control terrestrial and aquatic weeds. It may get into drinking water by runoff into surface
water. This chemical has been shown to damage the liver, kidney and gastrointestinal tract and causes caiaract
formation in laboratory animals such as dogs and rats exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. EPA has set
the drinking water standard for diquat at 0.02 parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse
health effects. Drinking water which meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and
should be considered safe with respect to diquat.
(65) Endothall. Tte United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that
endothall is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic chemical is a herbicide used to control
terrestrial and aquatic weeds. It may get into water by runoff into surface water. This chemical has been shown
to damage the liver, kidney, gastrointestinal tract and reproductive system of laboratory animals such as rats
and mir* exposed at high levels over tteir lifetimes. EPA has set the drinking water standard for endothall at
0.1 parts per million (ppm) toprotectagainsttheriskof these adverse health effects. Drinking water which meets
the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe with respect to
endothall.
(66) Endrin, The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards
and has determined that endrin is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic chemical is a
pesticide no longer registered for use in the United States. However, litis chemical is persistent in treated soils
and accumulates in sediments and aquatic and terrestrial biota. Itis chemical has been shown to cause dam age
to the liver, kidney and heart in laboratory animals such as rats and mice when the animals are exposed at high
levels over their lifetimes. EPA has set the drinking water standard for endrin at0.002 parts per million (ppm)
to pro tea against the risk of these adverse health effects which have been observed in laboratory animals.
Drinking water thatmeets the EPA standard is associated with linle to none of this risk and should be considered
safe with respect to endrin.
(67) Glyphosate. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that glyphosate is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic
chemical is a herbicide used to control grasses and weeds. It may get into drinking water by runoff into surface
water. This chemical has been shown to cause damage to the liver and kidneys in laboratory animals such as
rats and mice when the animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. EPA has set the drinking water
standard for glyphosate at 0.7 parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects.
Drinking water which meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be
considered safe with respect to glyphosate.
.«•- far Pnht!/' M/fitfr
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(68) Hexachlorobenzene. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined that hexachlorobenzene is a health concern at certain levels of exposure.
This organic chemical is produced as an impurity in the manufacture of certain solvents and pp«iriri»g This
chemical has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals such as rats and mice when the animals are
exposed to high levels during their lifetimes. Chemicals that cause cancer in laboratory animau also may
increase the risk of cancer in humans who arc exposed over long periods of time. EPA has set the drinking water
standard for hexachlorobenzene at 0.001 pans per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of cancer and other
adverse health effects. Drinking water which meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk
and should be considered safe with respect to hexachlorobenzene.
(69) Hexachlorocyclopentadiene. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estab-
lishes drinking water standards and has determined thai hexachlorocyclopentadiene is a health corcemat certain
levels of exposure. Tins organic chemical is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of pesticides and flame
retardants. It may get into water by discharge from production facilities. This chemical has been shown to
damage the kidney and the stomach of laboratoiy animals when exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. EPA
has set the drinking water standard for hexachlorocyclopentadiene at 0.05 parts per million (ppm) to protect
against the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking water which meets the EPA standard is with
little to none of this risk and should be considered sale with respect to hexachlorocyclopentadiene.
(70) Oxamyl. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estafrifohre drinking water
standards and has determined that oxamyl is a health concent at certain levels of exposure. Thisorganicchemical
is used as a pesticide for the control of insects and other pests. It may get into drinking water by runoff into
surface water or leaching into ground water. This chemical has been shown to damage the kidneys of laboratory
animals such as rats when exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. EPA has set the drinking water standard
for oxamyl at 0.2 parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking
water which meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe
with respect to oxamyl.
(71) Picloram. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that picloram is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic
chemical is used as a pesticide for broadleaf weed control. It may get into drinking water by runoff into surface
water or leaching into ground water as a result of pesticide application and improper waste disposal. This
chemical has been shown to cause damage to the kidneys and liver in laboratory animals such as rats when the
animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. EPA has set the driniring water standard for picloram
at 0.5 parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking water which
meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe with respect
to picloram.
(72) Simazine. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that simazine is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic
chemical is a herbicide used to control annual grasses and broadleaf weeds. It may leach into ground water or
runs off into surface water after application. This chemical may cause cancer in laboratory animals such as rats
and mice exposed at high levels during their lifetimes. Chemicals that cause cancer in laboratory animals also
may increase the risk of cancer in humans who are exposed over long periods of time. EPA has set the drinking
water standard for simazine at0.004 parts per million (ppm) to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health
effects. Drinking water which meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should
be considered safe with respect to simazine.
(73) 12.4-Trichlorobenzene. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets
drinking water standards and has determined that 1.2,4-trichlorobenzene is a health concern at certain levels
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Appendix A Mandatory Health Effects Language
of exposure. This organic chemical is used as a dye carrier and as a precursor in herbicide manufacture. It
generally gets into drinking water by discharges Iran industrial activities. This chemical has been shown to
cause damage to several organs, including the adrenal glands. EPA has set the drinking water standard for 1,2,4-
trichlorobenzene at 0.07 parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects.
Drinking water which meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be
considered safe with respect to 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene.
(74) / ,12-Trichloroethane. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined 1,1,2-trichloroethane is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This
organic chemical is an intermediate in the production of 1,1 -dichloroethylene. It generally gets into water by
industrial discharge of wastes. This chemical has been shown to damage the kidney and liver of laboratory
animals such as rats exposed to high levels during their lifetimes. EPA has set die drinking water standard for
1,1,2-trichloroe thane at0.005 parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects.
Drinking water which meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be
considered safe with respect to 1,1.2-trichloroethane.
(75) 23,7,8-TCDD (Dioxin). The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined that dioxin is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic
chemical is an impurity in the production of some pesticides. It may get into drinking water by industrial
discharge of wastes. This chemical has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals such as nus and mice
when die animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. Chemicals thai cause cancer in laboratory
animals also may increase the risk of cancer in humans who are exposed over long periods of time. EPA has
set the drinking water standard for dioxin at 0.00000003 parts per million (ppm) to reduce the risk of cancer
or otter adverse health effects which have been observed in laboratory animals. Drinking water which meets
this standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe with respect to dioxin.
Public Notification for Public Water Systems
9/30/93 Draft
A-17
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Appendix B Examples of Completed Notices
Appendix B contains examples of completed public notices. These notices are presented in an
appropriate format for the following media types:
V
television/radio
newspaper
mail/hand delivery, and
^posting.
These completed notices may help you by providing examples of the type of information and
language to insert in the blank spaces of the templates in Section 4.
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Appendix B Examples of Completed Pubitc Notices
$f\9 PtjMif WJrttm* Cv
¦L > . ' S"T"
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Example Public Notice
Radio Television Broadcast News Release
Acute Colilorm MCL Violation
Appendix B Examples of Completed Public Notices
NEWS RELEASE
Rural Water District IV • Route 3 • Farmville, Texas 88888
DATE OF RELEASE: July 15,1993
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tyrone Johnson, Manager, (808)555-6284
Title: Attention all Farmville Rural Water District Water Users. Tests show presence of fecal
coliform/£. coli bacteria. Boil your water.
Farmville — As a public water system, we are required to monitor our drinking water for various
contaminants. Samples taken in July 1993 tested positive for fecal coliform or E-coli bacteria. This is
a violation of state and federal drinking water standards requiring immfirtiatft attention.
State and local health authorities recommend that consumers take the following precautions:
all customers should bofl their water before consumption or use bottled water for drinking
until further notice.
General Information
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards and has
determined that the presence of fecal coliforms or E. coli is a serious health concern. Fecal coliforms
and E. coli are generally not harmful themselves, but their presence in drinking water is serious
because they usually are associated with sewage or animal wastes. The presence of these bacteria in
drinking water is generally a result of a problem with water treatment or the pipes which distribute the
water, and indicates that the water may be contaminated with organisms that can cause disease.
Disease symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and possibly jaundice, and associated
headaches and fatigue. These symptoms, however, are not just associated with disease-causing
organisms in drinking water, but also may be caused by a number of factors other than your drinking
water. EPA has set an enforceable drinking water standard for fecal coliforms and E. coli to reduce
the risk of these adverse health effects. Under this standard all drinking water samples must be free of
these bacteria. Drinking water which meets this standard is associated with little or none of this risk
and should be considered safe.
According to Tyrone Johnson, Manager, the bacterial contamination is a result of a break in the sewer
system that resulted in untreated sewage leaking into the water distribution system. The problem was
discovered July 13.
The following steps are being taken to correct this problem: The District is repairing the break and
should have it sealed by late tomorrow afternoon, July 16.
For further information contact Tyrone Johnson, at (808) 555-6284.
Public Notification for Public Water Systems
9/30/93 Draft
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Example Public Notice
Newspaper
Coliform Monitoring Violation
Appendix B Examples of Completed Public Nonces
PUBLIC NOTICE
ATTENTION ALL GREENVILLE WATER DEPARWENTViATER USERS
VIOLATION OF ROUTINE COUFORM TESTING SCHEDULE
As a public water system, we are required to take 40 samples to test the water for
coliform bacteria each month. During July 1993 we only took 38 samples and
therefore failed to meet this requirement. .
Failure to monitor the quality of the water reaching the consumer could allow
contamination of the water system to go undetected tor attended periods of time.
However, this violation does not pose a threat to the quality of the water. Consumers
should not be alarmed and do not need to seek alternative water supplies.
Subsequent testing shows that levels of coliform bacteria in the water do not exceed
state and federal standards. Drinking water which meets these standards for total
coliform is usually not associated with a health risk from disease-causing bacteria
and should be considered safe.
The Greenville Water Department regrets the mistake and will work to make sure
that the testing schedule is observed in the future. It is recognized that a complete
monitoring program is of great value to make certain that safe drinking water is
provided to all customers.
For further information contact James Brooks, at (209) 555-2212.
oruwn
Public Notification for Public Water Systems
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Appendix B Examples of Completed Public Nonces
Example Public Notice
Mail Hand Delivery
Chem Rad MCL Violation
West Hills Water District
Route 5 • Batesville, PA 23333
July 10, 1993
PUBLIC NOTICE
ATTENTION ALL WEST SILLS MURSR DISTRICT HATER. USERS
TESTS SHOW HIGH TRICHLOROSTHYLKKK LEVELS
Dear Customer,
As a public water system, we are required to monitor our drinking water for
various contaminants. Samples taken on July 5, 1993 showed that water contained
0.008 parts per million of trichloroethylene. This means we are in violation of
drinking water standards because we exceed the maximum contaminant level for
trichloroethylene.
Health officials do not believe that contamination levels pose a serious
threat to health, and do not recommend that residents seeJc alternative water
supplies.
General Information
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that trichloroethylene is a health concern at
certain levels of exposure. This chemical is a common metal cleaning and dry
cleaning fluid. It generally gets into drinking water by improper waste disposal.
This chemical has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals such as rats
and mice when the animals were exposed at high levels over their lifetimes.
Chemicals that cause cancer in laboratory animals also may increase the risk of
cancer in humans who are exposed at lower levels over long periods of time. EPA
has set forth the enforceable drinking water standard for trichloroethylene at
0.005 parts per million (ppm) to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse
health effects which have been observed in laboratory animals. Drinking water
which meets this standard is associated with little to none of this risk and
should be considered safe.
The following steps are being taken to correct this problem: (tell No. 5 has
been shut down for the present. We have contacted an engineering firm to
determine the best method of developing a permanent solution to this problem,
such as installing treatment equipment.
Contact
For further information contact John Wellway, at (419) 555-2121.
Sincerely,
John Wellway
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Appendix B Examples of Completed Public Nonces
Example Public Notice
Poster
Nitrate MCL
PUBLIC NOTICE
ATTENTION ALL VALLEY WATER DEPARTMENT WATER USERS
TESTS SHOW HIGH NITRATE LEVELS IN TAP WATER
USE OTHER SOURCE OF WATER FOR INFANTS
As a public water system, we are required to monitor our drinking water for various contaminants. Samples
taken May 1993 showed that water contained 14 parts per million of nitrate. This means we are in violation of
drinking water standards because we exceed the maximum contaminant level for nitrate.
Until the problem is corrected, we recommend you take the following preventive measures: Use
bottled water to provide drinking water to infants under six months of age and for making formula.
Arrangements for bottled water can be made by contacting the Valley Water Department at (606) 555-9001.
Officials do not believe contamination levels pose a serious threat to anyone over six months of age.
General Information
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards and has determined
that nitrate poses an acute health concern at certain levels of exposure. Nitrate is used in fertilizer and is found
in sewage and wastes from human and/or farm animals and generally gets into drinking water from those
activities. Excessive levels of nitrate in drinking water have caused serious illness and sometimes death in
infants under six months of age. The serious illness in infants is caused because nitrae is convened to nitrite in
the body. Nitrite interferes with the oxygen carrying capacity of the child's blood. This is an acute disease in
that symptoms can develop rapidly in infants. In most cases, health deteriorates over a period of days.
Symptoms include shortness of breath and blueness of the skin. Clearly, expert medical advice should be sought
immediately if these symptoms occur.
The purpose of this notice is to encourage parents and other responsible parties to provide infants with an
alternate source of drinking water. Local and State health authorities are the best source for information
concerning alternate sources of drinking water for infants. EPA has set the drinking water standard at 10 part
per million (ppm) for nitrate to protect against the risk of these adverse effects. EPA has also set a drinking
water standard for nitrite at 1 ppm. To allow for the fact that the toxicity of nitrate and nitrite are additive, EPA
has also established a standard for the sum of nitrate and nitrite at 10 ppm. Drinking water that meets the EPA
standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe with respect to nitrate.
The high level of nitrate is a result of runoff from fields fertilized with nitrate-containing fertilizer.
The following steps are being taken to correct this problem: We have ordered special water treatment
equipment that is designed to lower nitrate levels and is scheduled to be installed next week.
Contact
For further information contact Hal Wider, at (606) 555-9001.
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