Safe
OunKIIM. i
Water H*Ti inr
FY 2005
3rd Quarter
Report
Water Lines
SDW Hotline Report
In This Issue
What's New	
	1
Did You Know	
	1
Quarterly Trend	
	2
Freauentlv Asked Qs & As	
	3
Hotline Stats	
	10
Appendix A	
	11
Top Ten Caller Topics
Topic
Number of
Questions
Percent of
Total*
Questions
Local Drinking Water
Quality
1,242
17
Consumer Confidence
Reports
1,033
14
Tap Water Testing
645**
9
Safe Drinking
Water Act
497
7
Home Water
Treatment Units
388
5
Lead
327
4
Complaints About
PWSs
252
3
Cryptosporidium
219
3
Bottled Water
205
3
Public Notification
192
3
*A total of 7,283 questions from callers were
answered by the Hotline in the 3Quarter of
FY 2005.
**Citizens who obtain their drinking water from
private household wells asked 10 percent of the
tap water testing questions.
Calls and ECSS Incidents
Calls***
ECSS Incidents****
Total
4,324
251
4,575
***A single call may generate multiple
questions.
**** Incidents registered through EPA's
Enterprise Customer Service Solution
knowledge base at the OGWDW Web site.
Published Quarterly
See past reports at
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/hotline
Safe Drinking Water Hotline: National
Toll-free No.: (800) 426-4791
For More Information Contact:
Harriet Hubbard, EPA Project Officer
(202) 564-4621
Operated by Booz Allen Hamilton
Under Contract #GS-10F-0090J
What's New
New Publications:
Tentative allotments of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund appropriation
for FY 2006 are available at www.epa.gov/safewater/dwsrf/allotments.
The 2003 Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment
(EPA816-R-05-001) and additional information including a fact sheet, needs
survey allotment results, and past surveys are available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/needssurvev.
FACTOIDS: Drinking Water and Ground Water Statistics for 2004 (EPA816-K-
05-001) is available at www.epa.gov/safewater/data/getdata.htmI.
The poster The Undergound Injection Control Program: 30 Years Protecting
Ground Water Through the Safe Drinking Water Act (EPA816-H-05-001 A) is
available on the revised Underground Injection Control Program Web site at
www.epa.gov/safewater/uic.
Quick reference guides for the Surface Water Treatment Rules for systems using
conventional or direct filtration (EPA816-F-04-003); slow sand, diatomaceous
earth, or alternative filtration (EPA816-F-04-002); and unfiltered systems
(EPA816-F-04-003) are available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/mdbp/implement.html.
The 2004 Safe Drinking Water Hotline annual report and FY 2005 first and
second quarter reports are available at www.epa.gov/safewater/
hotline/reports.html.
The fifth edition of the Manual for the Certification of Laboratories Analyzing
Drinking Water (EPA815-R-05-004) is available at www.epa.gov/safewater/
labcert/labindex.html.
Information about the availability of FY 2005 congressional appropriations
funding for the Public Water System Supervision (PWSS) and Drinking Water
State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) programs is available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/pws/grants and www.epa.gov/safewater/dwsrf/
allotments.
Did You Know?
National Drinking Water Week was May 1-7, 2005. Links to activities for
kids, teachers, and adults to celebrate National Drinking Water Week are
available at www.epa.gov/safewater/sdwa/waterweek.

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3rd Quarter FY 2005
Calendar:
Who?
What?
Where?
When?
More Information
NDWAC
Water Security Working Group
Meeting
Arlington, VA
April 18-20,
2005

EPA
Public Meeting To Discuss the
Development of Regulations for
Aircraft Public Water Systems
Washington, DC
June 1, 2005

NDWAC
Public Meeting
Washington, DC
June 1-3, 2005

EPA
Lead in Plumbing Fittings and
Fixtures Workshop
Washington, DC
July 26-27, 2005

EPA
Drinking Water Security
Workshops
Various
On-going
www.epa.gov/safewater/
security
DWA
SDW Regulatory Compliance
Training
Various
On-going
www.epa.gov/safewater/
dwa/calendar. html
Quarterly Trend
The Safe Drinking Water Act requires community water systems to prepare and deliver consumer confidence
reports (CCRs) annually by July 1. The Safe Drinking Water Hotline receives numerous questions relating to
the information provided in the report's contaminant tables. The Hotline has compiled the following
information to address common questions on the units of measure used to express levels of detection.
Consumer Confidence Reports: Units of Measure
Units used for chemical contaminants
A milligram per liter (mg/L) is a unit of measure for the concentration of a dissolved substance in water. A
concentration of one mg/L means that one milligram of a substance is dissolved in each liter of water. For
practical purposes, this unit is equal to parts per million (ppm) since one liter of water is basically equal in
weight to one million milligrams. Thus, a liter of water containing 10 milligrams of cadmium has 10 parts of
cadmium per one million parts of water, or 10 parts per million (10 ppm).
Usually contaminants are found in water in minute quantities. Another common unit of measure for smaller
concentrations of contaminants in water is micrograms per liter (|jg/L). This unit is equal to parts per billion
(ppb) since one liter of water is equal in weight to one billion micrograms. One mg/L is equivalent to 1000
|jg/L and one ppm is equivalent to 1000 ppb. For example, the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for
cadmium is 0.005 mg/L (or 0.005 ppm) which is equivalent to 5 |jg/L (or 5 ppb).
Units used for radionuclides (radioactive contaminants)
Units of measure such as mg/L or ppm are commonly used to describe the concentration of chemicals in
drinking water. However, unique properties of radioactive contaminants such as radium limit the utility of
these units, and alternative units are used to compare the health effects of different radioactive substances.
The potential health effects from radioactive contaminants depend on the amount of radiation emitted by a
radioactive substance and the type of radiation, not the mass of a substance.
Activity units
A unit that describes the number of radioactive emissions over time (activity) is used for radionuclides. For
drinking water, the concentration units for most radioactive contaminants are reported as pCi/L. A pCi, or
picoCurie, is a measure of radioactivity. The MCL for combined radium uses activity units (i.e., 5 pCi/L).
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Dose units
The activity and type of radiation collectively determine the absorbed dose to body tissue when emissions
occurs internally, and the internal organs are the target. A dose unit reflects the amount of radiation imparted
to body tissue. To compensate for the difference in damage between different types of radiation particles and
their subsequent effect, a unit called rem was created. Rem is the unit of measurement for the dose
equivalent from radiation to the total body or any internal organ or organ system. The MCL for beta particles
and photon emitters uses a dose equivalent unit (i.e., 4 millirems/yr.)
Uranium
Uranium causes both chemical toxicity and radioactivity. The MCL for uranium is based on the chemical
toxicity effects and therefore uses mg/L as the unit of measurement.
Frequently Asked Qs & As
This section provides answers to frequently asked
questions not necessarily represented in one of the
Top Ten Topic categories.
Q: Are community water systems required to provide
a translated copy of the consumer confidence report
(CCR) in languages other than English (e.g.,
Spanish)?
A: In communities with a large proportion of non-
English speaking residents, as determined by the
primacy agency, community water systems (CWSs)
must include information in the appropriate language
regarding the importance of the CCR or a telephone
number or address where such residents may
contact the CWS to obtain a translated copy of the
report or assistance in the appropriate language (40
CFR 141.153(h)). Additional information on the
requirements for CCRs is available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/ccr1 .html.
Q: If a community water system (CWS) is operating
under the terms of a variance or exemption, are they
required to include information about it on their
consumer confidence report (CCR)?
A: If a CWS is operating under a variance or
exemption, they must include in their CCR an
explanation of the reasons for the variance or
exemption, the date on which it was issued, the steps
that the CWS is taking to comply with the terms of
the variance or exemption, and a notice of any
opportunity for public input in the review, or renewal,
of the variance or exemption (40 CFR 141.153(g)).
Additional information on the requirements for CCRs
is available at www.epa.gov/safewater/ccr1 .html.
Q: How must a community water system (CWS)
present the number of positive samples for coliform
in their consumer confidence report (CCR)?
A: For total coliform, a CWS must include in their
CCR the highest monthly percentage of positive
samples, or the highest monthly number of positive
samples if they collect fewer than forty samples per
month (40 CFR 141.153(d)(4)(vii)). For fecal
coliform, a CWS must include the total number of
positive samples (40 CFR 141.153(d)(4)(viii)).
Additional information on the requirements for CCRs
is available at www.epa.gov/safewater/ccr1 .html.
Q: If a public water system exceeds the action level
for lead or copper in a monitoring period, would this
constitute a violation of the National Primary Drinking
Water Regulations? If so, would this trigger any
public notification requirements?
A: Exceeding the action level for lead or copper is
not a violation and does not trigger public notification
requirements (Lead and Copper Monitoring and
Reporting Guidance for Public Water Systems, EPA
816-R-02-009, February 2002). However, if a public
water system exceeds the lead action level, the
facility must deliver public education information to
their customers (40 CFR 141.85). This information
must include information about the health effects of
lead, how lead can enter into drinking water, and
steps that consumers can take in the home to reduce
exposure to lead in drinking water (40 CFR
141.85(a)(1)).
Q: What is the health risk from showering with water
contaminated with radon?
A: The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and
EPA conclude that the risk to humans from radon
released during showering is likely to be small. This
is because the inhalation risk (i.e., cancer risk) of
radon is due almost entirely to radon progeny rather
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than radon itself, and it takes time (several hours) for
radon progeny to build up to levels of high risk from
the decay of radon.
During a typical shower lasting about ten minutes,
the level of progeny build up to only a small
percentage of the maximum possible level.
Showering is one of many indoor water uses that
contribute to the occurrence of radon in indoor air,
but hazards from inhalation of radon during
showering are not of special concern (64 FR 59246,
59317; November 2, 1999).
Q: What is the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
(DWSRF)?
A: Congress established the DWSRF as part of the
1996 Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Amendments.
The goal of the program is to provide states with a
financing mechanism for ensuring safe drinking water
to the public. Since federal fiscal year 1998, the
SDWA has required that EPA distribute grant funding
to each state based on the state's proportional share
of the total eligible needs reported for the most
recent Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey.
States can use the grant money awarded to them to
set up an infrastructure funding account and
subsequently provide assistance to public water
systems. Loans made under the program can have
interest rates between zero percent and market rate
and repayment terms of up to twenty years. Loan
repayments to the state will provide a continuing
source of infrastructure financing. The program also
places an emphasis on small and disadvantaged
communities and on programs that emphasize
prevention as a tool for ensuring safe drinking water.
More information about the DWSRF is available at
www. e pa. q o v/safewate r/d ws rf.
Q: Where can I find information regarding Drinking
Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) allotments?
A: Allotments for states, tribes, and territories are
available through the DWSRF Annual Allotments
Web site at www.epa.qov/safewater/
dwsrf/allotments. This site has links to allotments for
fiscal years 2002 through 2005. Links to related
topics such as fact sheets and pertinent Federal
Registers are also available from this Web site.
The allotments are based on the Drinking Water
Infrastructure Needs Survey conducted by EPA and
reported to Congress every four years. The amount
of DWSRF program funding for fiscal year 2005 is
$843,200,000. The current funding reflects the
needs identified in the second report to Congress
released in 2001. A third report to Congress will be
released in 2005 and the results will be used to
calculate state grant allotments for appropriations
made in fiscal years 2006 through 2009.
Q: What is the Safe Drinking Water Information
System (SDWIS), and what information is available
through SDWIS?
A: The federal version of SDWIS (SDWIS/FED) is a
national regulatory compliance database that stores
information about the country's drinking water supply.
SDWIS/FED contains basic information on every
public water system, including the name of the public
water system; the type of area served by the water
system (e.g., households, schools, or restaurants);
the number of individuals served by the water
system; the operating season of the water system
(year round or seasonal); if a water system has
violated any national drinking water standards; and
what follow-up actions, including enforcement
actions, have been taken to address the violation.
This information is collected and stored in
SDWIS/FED in order to help EPA monitor the safety
of the nation's drinking water supply, report
information to the public and to Congress on the
status of public drinking water, and help EPA and
states determine when additional actions are
necessary to protect drinking water (Information
Available from the Safe Drinking Water Information
System (SDWIS), EPA816-F-98-006; October 1998).
Additional information regarding SDWIS/FED is
available at www.epa.gov/safewater/databases.html.
Q: Sections 1422 and 1425 of the Safe Drinking
Water Act allows EPA to award primary enforcement
responsibility (i.e., primacy) for the Underground
Injection Control (UIC) program to states. Where can
I find a list of states that have been delegated
primacy for the UIC program?
A: A list of states that have been delegated the
authority to implement the UIC program is available
at www.epa.gov/safewater/uic/primacv2.html. This
list also specifies whether the state has primacy for
all classes of UIC wells, only Class II wells, or for all
wells except Class II (Classes I, III, IV, and V). In
addition, 40 CFR Part 147 codifies the state UIC
program descriptions and outlines which aspects of
the UIC programs are overseen by EPA and which
are delegated to the states.
The Safe Drinking Water Hotline is often asked to
help diagnose which drinking water contaminants
can cause taste, odor, or staining problems. To
assist customers with this determination, the Hotline
has prepared the following FAQs addressing
common water quality problems.
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Staining/Discoloration
Q: What can cause blue-green stains on items in
contact with tap water?
A: Copper can produce blue-green stains on sinks,
porcelain bathroom fixtures, and even on laundry.
Copper levels above 1.0 mg/L can produce a metallic
taste, a blue-green color, and a possible odor to the
water. Copper plumbing is usually the source of
copper in drinking water. EPA set a non-enforceable
secondary maximum contaminant level of 1.0 mg/L
for copper in order to prevent these aesthetic effects.
EPA has set an enforceable action level of 1.3 mg/L
to prevent adverse health effects. There are no
known or expected adverse health effects associated
with copper concentrations below the action level.
Copper is an essential nutrient in the normal diet and
ingestion of small amounts of copper is not
considered toxic (42 FR 17143, 17144; March 31,
1977), though persons with Wilson's Disease, a
copper metabolism disorder, can be adversely
affected by even trace amounts of copper.
To help determine the cause(s) of aesthetic or
cosmetic effects from your drinking water, contact
your local drinking water system. Additional
guidance for household well owners is available at
www.epa.qov/safewater/privatewelis. General
information on nuisance chemicals is available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/consumer/
2ndstandands.html.
Q: What can cause red, brown, or orange stains on
items in contact with tap water?
A: Iron can produce rusty brown stains on plumbing
fixtures, fabrics, dishes, and utensils when it
combines with oxygen in the water (Manual of Small
Public Water Supply Systems] EPA570-9-91-003;
May 1991). Iron also produces a noticeable bitter or
metallic taste in water, food, and beverages such as
coffee and tea. The daily nutritional requirement for
iron is 1-2 mg, yet the average diet contains 16 mg
(,National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations;
EPA570-9-76-000; June 1984). The amount of iron
causing staining or objectionable taste is a small
fraction of the normal daily intake and does not have
toxicological significance (42 FR 17143, 17144;
March 31,1977). EPA set a non-enforceable
secondary maximum contaminant level of 0.3 mg/L in
order to prevent aesthetic effects (e.g., staining,
taste).
To help determine the cause(s) of aesthetic or
cosmetic effects from your drinking water, contact
your local drinking water system. Additional
guidance for household well owners is available at
www.epa.qov/safewater/privatewelIs. General
information on nuisance chemicals is available at
www. e pa. q o v/safewate r/co nsumer/
2ndstandards.html.
Q: What can cause brown or black stains on items in
contact with tap water?
A: Manganese forms brownish-black particles in
water that can stain plumbing fixtures, fabrics, dishes
and utensils when it combines with oxygen in water.
Manganese can produce a black color in water and
also give a noticeable bitter, metallic taste to water,
food, and beverages such as tea and coffee (Manual
of Small Public Water Supply Systems; EPA570-9-
91-003; May 1991). Manganese is an essential
nutrient and it has been estimated that the daily
intake from a normal diet is about 10 mg. Ingestion
of manganese in moderate excess of the normal
dietary level is not considered harmful (National
Secondary Drinking Water Regulations] EPA570-9-
76-000; June 1984). EPA set a non-enforceable
secondary maximum contaminant level of 0.05 mg/L
for manganese in order to prevent most aesthetic
effects.
Hydrogen sulfide gas in association with iron can
cause black stains on plumbing fixtures. In addition,
the presence of dissolved hydrogen sulfide gas may
tarnish silverware and cause a "rotten egg" odor in
water. EPA has not set a standard for hydrogen
sulfide in drinking water.
Very high chloride content in tap water causes
blackening and pitting of stainless steel sinks. High
chloride ion concentration can also produce a salty
taste in tap water and result in corrosion of piping.
EPA has set a non-enforceable secondary maximum
contaminant level of 250 mg/L for chloride to prevent
most aesthetic effects.
To help determine the cause(s) of aesthetic or
cosmetic effects from your drinking water, contact
your local drinking water system. Additional
guidance for household well owners is available at
www .epa.q ov/safewate r/privatewel Is. General
information on nuisance chemicals is available at
www .epa.q ov/safewate r/co nsumer/
2ndstandards.html.
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Q: What can cause a gray coloration of skin?
A: Silver in drinking water can cause a discoloration
of skin, eye, and mucous membranes known as
argyria when ingested (Manual of Small Public Water
Supply Systems] EPA570-9-91-003; May 1991).
Silver is seldom found at significant levels in water
supplies and drinking water has never been identified
as the cause of argyria in the United States. EPA
considers argyria a cosmetic effect since it does not
impair body function and only causes a gray
discoloration. Silver does not affect the taste, odor,
color or appearance of the drinking water, nor is
there evidence that the low level of silver that may be
found in drinking water causes argyria. EPA has set
a non-enforceable secondary maximum contaminant
level of 0.1 mg/L to protect the welfare of the general
public from the cosmetic effect of argyria (56 FR
3526, 3527; January 30, 1991).
To help determine the cause(s) of aesthetic or
cosmetic effects from your drinking water, contact
your local drinking water system. Additional
guidance for household well owners is available at
www.epa.qov/safewater/privatewelis. General
information on nuisance chemicals is available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/consumer/
2ndstandands.html.
Q: What can cause a red or pink slime around
plumbing fixtures?
A: Iron bacteria can produce a slimy rust-colored
mass on plumbing fixtures and any surface in contact
with water containing these organisms. Iron bacteria
give an unpleasant taste and odor to the water,
discolor and spot fabrics and plumbing fixtures,
reduce water flow through pipes, and clog pumps
(Manual of Small Public Water Supply Systems;
EPA570-9-91-003; May 1991). While the aesthetic
problems caused by iron bacteria in drinking water
may not directly represent a public health risk, the
appearance of aesthetic problems may signal pipe
deterioration or other issues that may represent, or
lead to, a health concern (Health Risks from
Microbial Growth and Biofilms in Drinking Water
Distribution Systems, June 17, 2002). EPA has not
set a standard for iron bacteria in drinking water.
To help determine the cause(s) of aesthetic or
cosmetic effects from your drinking water, contact
your local drinking water system. Additional
guidance for household well owners is available at
www. e pa. q o v/safewate r/privatewe lis. General
information on nuisance chemicals is available at
www. e pa. q o v/safewate r/co nsumer/
2ndstandards.html.
Q: What can cause mottling or discoloration of teeth?
A: Fluoride in drinking water can cause mottling of
children's teeth, usually in children less than nine
years old. Mottling, also known as dental fluorosis,
may include brown staining and/or pitting of teeth,
and occurs only in developing teeth before they erupt
from the gums. Because children may get mottled
teeth at levels above 2.0 mg/L, EPA has set a non-
enforceable secondary maximum contaminant level
of 2.0 mg/L. EPA has also set an enforceable
maximum contaminant level of 4.0 mg/L to prevent
against adverse health effects.
To help determine the cause(s) of aesthetic or
cosmetic effects from your drinking water, contact
your local drinking water system. Additional
guidance for household well owners is available at
www.epa.qov/safewater/privatewelIs. General
information on nuisance chemicals is available at
www .epa.q ov/safewate r/co nsumer/
2ndstandards.html.
Odor
Q: What can cause tap water to smell like rotten
eggs?
A: The "rotten egg" odor in water may be caused by
the presence of sulfate reducing bacteria in
distribution lines or water heaters or by the presence
of dissolved hydrogen sulfide gas. In addition to an
odor, hydrogen sulfide gas can cause black stains on
plumbing fixtures and tarnish silverware. EPA has
not set a standard for hydrogen sulfide in drinking
water.
Additionally, a "rotten egg" odor associated with hot
water may be due to magnesium rods in hot water
heaters. The rod is a component of the water heater
and the odor may be eliminated by removing the rod
(Manual of Small Public Water Supply Systems,
EPA570-9-91-003; May 1991).
To help determine the cause(s) of aesthetic or
cosmetic effects from your drinking water, contact
your local drinking water system. Additional
guidance for household well owners is available at
www .epa.q ov/safewate r/privatewel Is. General
information on nuisance chemicals is available at
www .epa.q ov/safewate r/co nsumer/
2ndstandards.html.
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Q: What can cause tap water to smell like bleach?
A: Chlorine used for disinfection of drinking water
may produce a bleach odor in drinking water. It may
also impart a chlorine bleach taste to the water. EPA
has not set a standard for these aesthetic effects.
However, EPA has set a maximum residual
disinfectant level of 4 mg/L for chlorine that is
appropriate for preventing physiological health
effects, such as eye and nose irritation and stomach
discomfort (63 FR 69390, 69411; December 16,
1998).
To help determine the cause(s) of aesthetic or
cosmetic effects from your drinking water, contact
your local drinking water system. Additional
guidance for household well owners is available at
www.epa.qov/safewater/privatewelis. General
information on nuisance chemicals is available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/consumer/
2ndstandands.html.
Taste
Q: What can cause tap water to have a metallic
taste?
A: A metallic taste can be caused by manganese,
iron, zinc, or copper. These metals often discolor tap
water and can stain plumbing fixtures and clothing.
EPA has set non-enforceable secondary maximum
contaminant levels for these contaminants that will
prevent most aesthetic and cosmetic effects. EPA
has set enforceable maximum contaminant levels for
those contaminants that may cause adverse health
effects (Secondary Drinking Water
Regulations: Guidance for Nuisance Chemicals,
EPA810-K-92-001; July 1992).
To help determine the cause(s) of aesthetic or
cosmetic effects from your drinking water, contact
your local drinking water system. Additional
guidance for household well owners is available at
www. e pa. q o v/safewate r/privatewe lis. General
information on nuisance chemicals is available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/consumer/
2ndstandands.html.
Q: What can cause tap water to taste like salt?
A: High chloride ion concentration can produce a
salty taste in tap water. Chloride ions in high
concentrations can also result in corrosion of piping.
Very high chloride content in tap water causes
blackening and pitting of stainless steel sinks. EPA
has set a non-enforceable secondary maximum
contaminant level of 250 mg/L for chloride to prevent
most aesthetic effects.
Sulfate concentrations can produce a salty taste in
tap water. Sulfates, such as magnesium sulfate and
sodium sulfate, can have a laxative effect for persons
who are not acclimated to the water and produce
hard scales in boilers and water heaters. Sulfates
are not easily removed from water, however using an
alternate water source or blending sources produces
acceptable remedies for sulfate in drinking water.
The only observed health effects above 500 mg/L
has been the induction of diarrhea. EPA has set a
non-enforceable secondary maximum contaminant
level for sulfate of 250 mg/L to prevent most taste
effects and prevent laxative effects in even the most
sensitive consumers (Manual of Small Public Water
Supply Systems, EPA570-9-91-003; May 1991).
To help determine the cause(s) of aesthetic or
cosmetic effects from your drinking water, contact
your local drinking water system. Additional
guidance for household well owners is available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/privatewelIs. General
information on nuisance chemicals is available at
www .epa.g ov/safewate r/co nsumer/
2ndstandards.html.
Water Discoloration
Q: What can cause tap water to appear brown or
black?
A: Manganese can produce a black color in water
when it combines with oxygen in the air. Manganese
forms brownish-black particles in water that can stain
plumbing fixtures, fabrics, dishes and utensils.
Manganese also gives a noticeable bitter, metallic
taste to water, food, and beverages such as tea and
coffee (Manual of Small Public Water Supply
Systems; EPA570-9-91-003; May 1991).
Manganese is an essential nutrient and has a daily
intake of 10 mg. Ingestion of manganese in
moderate excess of the normal dietary level is not
considered harmful. Therefore, EPA has set a non-
enforceable secondary maximum contaminant level
of 0.05 mg/L for manganese in order to prevent most
aesthetic effects (National Secondary Drinking Water
Regulations; EPA570-9-76-000; June 1984).
To help determine the cause(s) of aesthetic or
cosmetic effects from your drinking water, contact
your local drinking water system. Additional
guidance for household well owners is available at
www .epa.g ov/safewate r/privatewel Is. General
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information on nuisance chemicals is available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/consumer/
2ndstandands.html.
Q: What can cause tap water to appear red, brown,
or orange?
A: Iron can cause water to appear reddish-orange.
Iron combines with oxygen to form reddish-brown
particles in water that produce rusty brown stains on
plumbing fixtures, fabrics, dishes, and utensils.
Large concentrations of iron can produce iron
sediments or deposits in the water. Iron also
produces a noticeable bitter, metallic or astringent
taste in water, food, and beverages such as coffee
and tea coffee (Manual of Small Public Water Supply
Systems; EPA570-9-91-003; May 1991). The daily
nutritional requirement for iron is 1-2 mg, however
the average diet contains 16 mg. The amount of iron
causing discoloration of tap water is a small fraction
of the normal daily intake and does not have
toxicological significance. EPA has set a non-
enforceable secondary maximum contaminant level
of 0.3 mg/L to prevent most aesthetic effects
(,National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations;
EPA570-9-76-000; June 1984).
To help determine the cause(s) of aesthetic or
cosmetic effects from your drinking water, contact
your local drinking water system. Additional
guidance for household well owners is available at
www.epa.qov/safewater/privatewelis. General
information on nuisance chemicals is available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/consumer/
2ndstandands.html.
Q: What can cause the tap water to be cloudy or
milky?
A: Cloudy water commonly is caused by air in the
water. If the cloudiness does not dissipate when the
water is allowed to stand, the cloudiness may be due
to some other cause. To help determine the
cause(s) of cloudiness of your drinking water, contact
your local drinking water system.
Additional guidance for household well owners is
available at www.epa.gov/safewater/privatewelIs.
General information on nuisance chemicals is
available at www.epa.gov/safewater/consumer/
2ndstandands.html.
Q: What can cause tap water to appear foamy?
A: Foaming is usually caused by synthetic organic
chemicals called surfactants. Surfactants, commonly
found as ingredients in household detergents, may
contaminate sources of drinking water though
household or industrial waste disposal. Foaming
agents cause frothing at and above concentrations of
1 mg/L and are associated with an oily, fishy, or
perfume-like taste (Secondary Drinking Water
Regulations: Guidance for Nuisance Chemicals;
EPA810-K-92-001; July 1992).
Ingestion of doses above 50 mg/L, assuming a two
liter per day consumption, may cause gastrointestinal
irritation. EPA set a secondary maximum
contaminant level of 0.5 mg/L to prevent the
occurrence of visible foam. However, since the
presence of foaming substances in drinking water is
an indicator of sewage contamination, the
appearance of visible foam should be investigated
immediately (National Secondary Drinking Water
Regulations; EPA570-9-76-000; June 1984).
To help determine the cause(s) of aesthetic or
cosmetic effects from your drinking water, contact
your local drinking water system. Additional
guidance for household well owners is available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/privatewelIs. General
information on nuisance chemicals is available at
www .epa.g ov/safewate r/co nsumer/
2ndstandards.html.
Q: What can cause tap water to appear blue-green?
A: Copper can produce a blue-green color, a metallic
taste, and a possible odor in tap water at levels
above 1.0 mg/L. Copper can also produce blue-
green stains on sinks, porcelain bathroom fixtures,
and even on laundry. Copper plumbing is usually the
source of copper in drinking water. EPA has set a
non-enforceable secondary maximum contaminant
level of 1.0 mg/L in order to prevent these aesthetic
effects.
EPA has set an enforceable action level of 1.3 mg/L
to prevent adverse health effects. There are no
known or expected adverse health effects associated
with copper at concentrations below the action level.
Copper is an essential nutrient in the normal diet and
ingestion of small amounts of copper is not
considered toxic (42 FR 17143, 17144; March 31,
1977), though persons with Wilson's Disease, a
copper metabolism disorder, can be adversely
affected by even trace amounts of copper.
To help determine the cause(s) of aesthetic or
cosmetic effects from your drinking water, contact
your local drinking water system. Additional
guidance for household well owners is available at
www .epa.g ov/safewate r/privatewel Is. General
information on nuisance chemicals is available at
www .epa.g ov/safewate r/co nsumer/
2ndstandards.html.
rci
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 3 Quarter Report
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3rd Quarter FY 2005
Quarterly Summary of
Hotline Service
Total number of calls answered	4,324
Total number of ECSS incidents
251
Average wait time (in seconds)
0:42
Percent of calls satisfied immediately
99.9%
Percent of all calls answered in < 5 min
96.5%
Percent of callbacks answered in 5 days
100%
Number of times callers were transferred to

the WSC Wellcare Hotline
886
Number of times callers listened to recorded

message about CCRs
1,102
Number of times callers listened to recorded

message about local drinking water quality

for PWS customers
972
Number of times callers listened to recorded

message about tap water testing and quality

for household well owners
519
Number of times callers listened to recorded

message about tap water testing for PWS

customers
1,166

Comparison to Previous Year

Calls
Electronic

Correspondences*
3rd Quarter FY 2005
4,324
251
3rd Quarter FY 2004
4,895
622
*Method of electronic correspondence changed from e-mail to the
EPA ECSS si/stem in November 2004.
Top Ten Referrals

Number of
Referrals
Percent of
Inquiry Referred to:
Total*
Referrals
Local Water System
743
23
State Lab Certification
519
16
State PWSS
436
14
NSF/WQA/UL
341
11
EPA Internet
309
10
AGWT/WSC
129
4
Local Public Health
121
4
FDA/I BWA
100
3
Other Hotlines
82
3
Other
74
2
*A total of 3,181 referrals to other resources, agencies, and
organizations were provided by the Hotline in the 3"' Quarter of
FY 2005.
Hotline Statistics
Customer Profiles
Customer
Calls
Analytical Laboratories
32
Citizen - Private Well
232
Citizen - PWS
3,152
Consultants/lndustry/Trade (DW)
180
Consultants/lndustry/Trade (Other)
70
Environmental Groups
3
EPA
38
Other Federal Agency
15
Government, Local
23
Government, State
72
Government, Tribal
3
Spanish Speaking
69
International
11
Media
6
Medical Professional
14
Public Water System
227
Schools/University
32
Other
145
TOTALS
4,324

ECSS Incident Topics

Topic
Number of Incidents
Analytical Methods
9
Bottled Water
3
Compliance/Issues (PWS)
30
Consumer Concerns
32
Contaminants and Standards
55
Definitions
4
Facts, Figures, and Databases
11
Household Wells
29
Other
46
Local Drinking Water Quality
21
Source Water Protection
3
Tap Water Testing
5
Underground Injection Control
1
Water Security
2
TOTALS
251
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3rd Quarter FY 2005
Hotline Statistics
Caller Question Topics
Topics
Number of
Questions
Microbials/Disinfection Byproducts
Chlorine
62
Coliforms
106
Cryptosporidium
219
Disinfection/Disinfection

Byproducts (Other)
88
Disinfection - Home Water
77
Other Microbials
87
Storage - Home Water
11
Surface Water Treatment (SWTR,

ESWTR, LT1FBR)
49
Trihalomethane (THM)
68
Inorganic Chemicals (IOC)/Synthetic

Organic Chemicals (SOC)

Arsenic
60
Fluoride
48
Methyl-fert/a/y-butyl-ether (MTBE)
19
Perchlorate
6
Phase I, II &V
85
Sodium Monitoring
9
Sulfate
1
Lead and Copper
Copper
39
Lead
327
Lead Contamination Control Act

(LCCA)/Lead Ban
29
Radionuclides
Radionuclides (Other)
62
Radionuclides (Radon)
120
Secondary DW Regulations
Secondary DW Regulations
86
SDWA Background/Overview
Definitions & Applicability
30
MCL List
188
Other Background
115
SDWA
497
Topics
Number of
Questions
Water on Tap
7
Other DW Regulations
Analytical Methods (DW)
74
Contaminant Candidate List/

Drinking Water Priority List
6
Consumer Confidence Report (DW)
1,033
DW Primacy (PWS)
11
Operator (PWS) Certification 8
Other Drinking Water Security
17
Public Notification (PWS)
192
Security Planning Grants
1
State Revolving Fund (DW)
10
Unregulated Contaminant

Monitoring Rule (UCMR)
21
Other Drinking Water
Additives Program
13
Bottled Water
205
Complaints about PWS
252
Compliance & Enforcement

(PWS)
33
Home Water Treatment Units
388
Infrastructure/Cap. Development
16
Local DW Quality
1,242
Tap Water Testing
645
Treatment/BATs (DW)
23
Drinking Water Source Protection
Ground Water Rule
22
Sole Source Aquifer
2
Source Water/Wellhead Protection
38
UIC Program
20
Out of Purview
Household Wells
185
Non-Environmental
97
Non-EPA Environmental
100
Other EPA (Programs)
134
TOTALS
7,283
EPA DISCLAIMER
Answers to questions in the Safe Drinking Water Hotline quarterly report are intended to be purely informational and are based on SDWA
provisions, EPA regulations, guidance, and established policy effective at the time of publication. The answers given reflect EPA staff's best
judgment at the time and do not represent a final or official EPA interpretation. This report does not substitute for the applicable provisions of
statutes and regulations, guidance, etc., nor is it a regulation itself. Thus, it does not impose legally-binding requirements on EPA, States, or the
regulated community. An answer to a question in this report may be revised at any time to reflect EPA's revisions to existing regulations,
changes in EPA's approach to interpreting its regulations or statutory authority, or for other reasons. EPA may provide a different answer to a
question in this report in the future.
Also, an answer provided in this report may not apply to a particular situation based upon the circumstances. Any decisions regarding a
particular case will be made based on the applicable statutes and regulations. Therefore, interested parties are free to raise questions and
objections about the appropriateness of the application of an answer in this report to a particular situation, and EPA will consider whether or not
the recommendations or interpretations in the answer are accurate and appropriate in that situation. The information in this report is not intended,
nor can it be relied upon, to create any rights enforceable by any party in litigation with the United States.
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SAFE DRINKING WATER HOTLINE QUARTERLY REPORT
Third Quarter FY 2005
Appendix A: Federal Register Summaries
NOTICES
"Public Water System Supervision Program Revision for the State of South Dakota"
April 25, 2005 (70 FR 21197)
The state of South Dakota has revised its Public Water System Supervision (PWSS) Primacy
Program by adopting federal regulations for the Arsenic Rule, Filter Backwash Recycling Rule,
Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, and Radionuclides Rule, which
correspond to 40 CFR parts 141 and 142. EPA has completed its review of these revisions in
accordance with the SDWA, and proposes to approve South Dakota's primacy revisions for the
above stated rules. The approval does not extend to Indian lands.
"Proposed Penalty Order Issued Under the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water
Act; Notice of Intent To Provide Internet"
April 26, 2005 (70 FR 21410)
EPA Region 5 will issue notices of proposed penalty orders issued under the Clean Water Act
and the Safe Drinking Water Act via the Internet. Region 5 will commence use of Internet notice
on May 26, 2005.
"Notice of Tentative Approval and Solicitation of Request for a Public Hearing for Public
Water System Supervision Program Revisions for the State of West Virginia"
April 29, 2005 (70 FR 22312)
The state of West Virginia is revising its approved Public Water System Supervision Program.
West Virginia has adopted the Arsenic and Clarifications to Compliance and New Source
Contaminants Monitoring Rule (the Arsenic Rule) that requires community and non-transient
non-community water systems to comply with the revised arsenic maximum contaminant level
of 0.010 mg/L. EPA has determined that these revisions are no less stringent than the
corresponding Federal regulations. Therefore, EPA has decided to tentatively approve these
program revisions.
"Meeting of the National Drinking Water Advisory Council - Notice of Public Meeting"
May 9, 2005 (70 FR 24412)
EPA gave notice for a meeting of the National Drinking Water Advisory Council (NDWAC or
Council) on June 1, 2, and 3, 2005, in Washington, D.C. This Council was authorized by the
Safe Drinking Water Act in 1974 (42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.) to support EPA in performing its
duties and responsibilities related to the national drinking water program. The primary purpose
of this meeting is for the Council to review and discuss the draft report of the Water Security
Working Group. The Council will also continue the dialogue initiated in December 2004 on the
revision of existing drinking water program indicators and measures and the potential
development of new indicators/measures that are clearly focused on public health protection.
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Updates on other EPA drinking water program activities will be presented if sufficient time is
available.
"Notice of a Public Meeting To Discuss the Development of Regulations for Aircraft Public
Water Systems"
May 13, 2005 (70 FR 25520)
EPA is holding a public meeting on Wednesday, June 1, 2005 in Washington, D.C., to discuss
the development of regulations for aircraft public water systems. To support the rulemaking
process, EPA will undertake a collaborative stakeholder process with representatives from
industry, government, public interest groups, and the general public.
"Public Water Supply Supervision Program; Program Revision for the State of Oregon"
May 16, 2005 (70 FR 25828)
The state of Oregon has revised its approved State Public Water Supply Supervision (PWSS)
Primacy Program. Oregon has adopted drinking water regulations for Public Notification,
Radionuclides, Filter Backwash Recycling, Arsenic, Variances and Exemptions, and Enhanced
Surface Water Treatment for systems serving less than 10,000 people. EPA has determined that
these revisions are no less stringent than the corresponding federal regulations. Therefore, EPA
intends to approve these state program revisions. This approval action does not extend to public
water systems (PWSs) in Indian Country, as that term is defined in 18 U.S.C. 1151. By
approving these rules, EPA does not intend to affect the rights of federally recognized Indian
tribes in Idaho, nor does it intend to limit existing rights of the state of Oregon.
"Notice of a Public Meeting: Expert Panel Workshop on Lead in Plumbing Fittings and
Fixtures"
June 28, 2005 (70 FR 37099)
EPA announces an expert panel workshop to discuss issues associated with the Lead and Copper
Rule (LCR). This workshop will examine and discuss potential issues associated with lead in
plumbing fittings and fixtures, including their potential to leach lead into water, existing
standards and test protocols, utility challenges, and manufacturer perspectives. The workshop
will be held on July 26 and 27, 2005, in Washington, D.C.
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