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A
brief explanation of the most common problems found in Drinking water. Go to
www.epa.gov for the complete list. |
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ALKALINITY TOTAL - Alkalinity
is water, also know as buffering capacity, is the combination of carbonate,
bicarbonate, and hydroxide ions. High readings of alkalinity in water can
cause copper tubing to pit and leaks can occur. Some metals will
deteriorate very fast when exposed to high levels of alkalinity in
water. |
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ACIDIC WATER - Acidic water has a
pH level of less than 7. Corrosive or acidic water can leach metals from pipes
into drinking water. Lead leached into drinking water can cause developmental
delays in children. In adults, lead can cause kidney problems and high blood
pressure. Copper can cause gastrointestinal distress, or liver and kidney
damage. Correct the pH level and solve the problem. |
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BACTERIA-The most likely source
of acute water-borne disease, E-Coli Bacteria and other potentially dangerous
microbes are commonly found in our environment, but they should not be present
in our drinking water. Thousands of cases of bacteria illness occur every year,
many of them fatal. Many strains of bacteria are not toxic, but some can cause
very serious illness. Even mild cases can result in diarrhea, vomiting, cramps,
and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Young children and those with weaker
immunity are more likely to be affected. Since contaminated water may not taste
or smell “bad”, most cases of water-borne disease are not likely to be
identified as such. The presence of bacteria in drinking water indicates that
treatment methods are not working properly and are not adequate to remove all
viable microbes. When treatment fails, drinking water may become potentially
toxic. Community water systems take steps to disinfect drinking water, but they
may not become aware of problems until it’s too late. This bacteria was first
recognized as a cause of illness in 1982. Toxic bacteria may enter the water
supply from human or animal wastes, or natural sources. Multiplying rapidly,
they may release a variety of potent, damage-causing molecules called endotoxins
into the water. Correct the problem by having your well given a Chlorine Dis-infection.
EPA standard level is 0. |
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CHLORINE-Drinking chlorine in
small amounts may not hurt you, but chlorine by-products can. The consumption
of chlorine in very small amounts most likely will not cause you serious harm.
What may be harmful, however, are the by-products, including chloroform, that
chlorine produces when mixed with organic matter. EPA standard is 4 mg/L. |
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CHLORIDE (ci-)-Chlorides enter
our drinking water naturally from sea water and the dissolving of minerals and
sedimentary rock. Contamination can also occur from wastewater treatment
facilities and mining operations. It is important to test regularly for
chloride since levels above 250ppm can cause corrosion of pipes, toxicity to
plants, and an unpleasant taste in drinking water. Correct the problem with
De-ionization, Reverse Osmosis. |
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CHROMIUM-Chromium is a heavy
metal found in natural deposits as ores, and is abundant in soils and plants.
Naturally occurring chromium is rarely found in water. Some of the largest
sources of chromium contamination to our drinking water are from chemical
manufacturing and from the combustion of natural gas, oil and coal. EPA primary
drinking water standard is 0.1 ppm. |
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COPPER (Cu+1/Cu+2)-Copper may
exist in water and other solutions as a soluble ion and primarily occurs in
drinking water from it use in plumbing materials. It is important to detect
copper since it has been shown to cause stomach and intestinal distress, liver
and Kinney damage, and anemia. EPA primary drinking water standard is 1.3ppm. |
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FLUORIDE- An element that
occurs naturally in water from erosion of natural deposits. It is also found in
some fertilizers and as a by-product of aluminum factories. The current
standard is set ant less than 4ppm. Fluoride can promote strong teeth.
However, fluoride may cause bone disease and contribute to mottled teeth in
children. Correct the problem with and Ion-exchange, reverse Osmosis. |
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HARDNESS, TOTAL (Ca+2)-Calcium
and Magnesium are naturally occurring minerals responsible for water hardness.
Hardness is a key water chemistry parameter and its control is important to help
assure proper water quality. Low levels of calcium and magnesium (soft water)
can contribute to problems of corrosive water. High calcium and magnesium
leaves, especially above 400ppm, can lead to possible water clarity problems and
scaling. There are various commercially-available softeners that can help
minimize the problems associated with high hardness levels. EPA standard level
50ppm. |
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IRON (Fe+2)-The presence of
dissolved iron in water can have negative consequences. It can lead to stained
clothes, corrosion of pipes and fixtures, and a foul taste in drinking water.
Correct the problem with water softeners, Catalytic oxidizing filters,
Oxidation-filtration system, Chlorination, or ozonation if iron bacteria are
present. EPA standard level 0.3 mg/L. |
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LEAD (Pb+2)-Lead is a naturally
occurring heavy metal in the earth’s crust. For many years, lead was added to
gasoline, paints, and other consumer materials. However, exposure to lead can
be harmful. Lead from pipes can leach into household water used for drinking,
cooking and washing. Many homes and building shave pipes and plumbing fixtures
that contain lead. Lead can leach from pipes into household water, making this
plumbing a major source of water contamination and a potential source of toxic
lead poisoning. Lead is so toxic that even very low levels may be dangerous.
Lead consumption and poisoning has been linked to many serious illnesses,
especially in young children. Lead can harm mental and physical development and
may cause brain abnormalities, kidney damage and hypertension. As with other
water contaminants, the risk of lead damage is much greater for children than
for adults, families should be particularly concerned about the health of the
water supply. Consumers should test lead levels at each faucet in the home,
especially if the plumbing fixtures could be from the 1980’s or older. Lead
from pipes can leach into household water used for drinking, cooking and
washing. EPA standard level is 0. |
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MANGANESE (Mn+2)-Manganese
minerals are widely distributed in the Earth’s crust and can be introduced from
industrial run-off and other effluents. The presence of manganese in your water
can cause a bitter taste and, at higher levels, staining of laundry and plumbing
fixtures. EPA secondary drinking water standard is 0.05mg/l.. Correct the
problem with water softeners or oxidizing filter . |
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METALS, HEAVY (Co+2, Cd+2,
Zn+2, Cu+2, and more)-The presence of heavy metals in water can cause many
problems. In the home, heavy metal presence can come from corrosion of pipes
and fixtures and from storing water in stainless steel storage containers. |
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NITRATE/NITRITE NITROGEN
(NO3-INO2-)-A common yet incredibly harmful pollutant especially to children and
small animals. When animal and human wastes or field fertilizers come into
contact with water, they show up as nitrates and nitrites. Both are serious
contaminants because they affect the very core of human life-birth and the
development of young life. In 1992, when the survey was released, some 22,500
infants drinking domestic well water were estimated to be exposed to levels of
nitrates exceeding the EPA safe drinking water limits of below 10ppm for
Nitrate/Nitrite and below 1ppm for Nitrite. Correct the problem with an Ion
exchange, Reverse Osmosis. |
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PESTICIDE (ATRAZINE/SIMAZINE) -
Pesticide ingestion and inhalation can damage internal organs, cause cancer and
eventually even cause death. The world Health Organization estimates that
one-half of the ground and well water in the U.S. is contaminated with
pesticides, resulting in 20,000 deaths each year. EPA standard level is 0. |
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PH - PH measurement is one of
the most commonly performed tests in the lab and in the majority of industrial
processes. Abnormal PH levels can cause heavy metal(lead) leaching, causing
plumbing damage. Safe range 6.5 to 8.5 units. |
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PHENOLS(C6H5OH) Phenolic
compounds in trace amounts less tan 1ppm can have significantly detrimental
effects on water quality. Phenols can cause water and fish to taste and smell
unpleasant. Phenols are toxic to mammals and fish. The US EPA recommends a
maximum of 1ppb for a total phenolic compounds in domestic water supplies. In
the presence of potassium ferricyanide, phenol acts as an oxidizing agent and
reacts with 4-Aminoantipyrine to form a colored antipyrine dye. |
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Radon- A colorless, odorless
and tasteless radioactive gas. Formed from the decay of naturally occurring
minerals containing radioactive elements. Radon becomes radon gas hen
vaporized. Radon gas has been linked to increased rates of lung cancer.
Scientists remain unclear of the effects of radon in drinking water. Correct
the problem with Aeration. Action level 300 pCi/L. |
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SALT - Ocean (TDS) It is
important to know if tidal water or wells near the sea are brackish.9( test
determines if water has salt content) |
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SULFIDE (S-2) - Hydrogen Sulfide (h3S) is a
flammable, poisonous gas with a characteristic rotten egg smell. Concentrations
of 0.02 to 0.1 ppm are detectable by the average person. Hydrogen sulfide is
evolved from numerous environmental sources such as bacterial decomposition of
vegetables and animal material. It occurs naturally as a component of crude
oil, natural gas, volcanic gas, and sulfur springs and also as a pollutant of a
variety of industrial operations including wastewater treatment plants. |
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TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS) on conductivity test for dissolved materials in drinking water. TDS comprise
inorganic salts (principally calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium,
bicarbonates, chlorides and sulfates) and some small amounts of organic matter
that are dissolve in water. TDS in drinking water originates from natural
sources, sewage, urban run-off, industrial wastewater, and chemicals used in the
water treatment process and the nature of the piping or hardware used to convey
the water, i.e., the plumbing. In the United States, elevated TDS has been due
to natural environmental features such as: mineral springs, carbonate deposits,
salt deposits, and sea water intrusion, but other sources can include: salts
used for road de-icing, anti-skid materials, drinking water treatment chemicals,
storm water and agricultural runoff, an point/non-point wastewater discharges.
High TDS may effect the aesthetic quality of the water, interfere with washing
clothes and corroding plumbing fixtures. EPA Secondary drinking water
Standard is 500 ppm for TDS. |
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TURBIDITY AND COLOR-Visual
haziness in water. Discolored water may be caused by organic compounds or
metallic ions. Turbidity has no health effect, per se, but it can interfere
with disinfectants and provide a medium for bacteria to grow. Correct the
problem with filtration. EPA standard level 5 NTU. |
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ZINC (Zn+2) Zinc can occur
naturally in drinking water. However, contamination can also occur from
galvanized pipes corroded by acid or soft water. Zinc in water normally does
not pose a health risk, but high levels of zinc can cause temporary stomach
irritation. EPA standard Level 5mg/L. |
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U.S. Government
Links |
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***The descriptions above are
summaries of some of the water quality contaminants and their desired EPA Levels
and should only be used as a quick reference. |
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GO TO www.EPA.GOV and
www.epa.gov/waterscience web sites for the updated and current Drinking
water Standards and Health Advisories tables. |
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