Contra Costa Water District’s Open Door Policy

The Contra Costa Water District serves 450,000 people in California’s central and eastern

Contra Costa County. When water system officials produced the 2002 Consumer

Confidence Report, they knew it was important to their customers. So they included a

section, “How to Get Involved In the Quality of Your Water.” The section includes the times

and places of water district board of directors meetings and city council meetings, and

instructions for requesting agendas.

The report also lists names and phone

numbers of contact people in each

city or water district population.

“This is about the water that our

customers get out of the tap every

day,” says Gina Oltman, public

information specialist. “The level of

importance of this document to the

consumer told us we needed to have

an open door policy.”

The contact people listed in the

report are not public information

specialists, Oltman says. Rather,

“They’re water quality people at the

plants, so callers are going directly to

the source. They are talking to the

people who sample and test the

water. They are getting first-hand

information.”

Oltman says the Contra Costa Water

District consistently has public

participation in meetings. In addition

to listing meeting info in the CCRs,

they include a calendar in their newsletters and other publications. Members of the public

have responded by calling and attending meetings. They raise issues of local concern and

even respond to news articles on national water issues, such as conservation.

The district also published a Spanish-language report and plans to do it again next year. The

English-language CCR states how to request copies and how to reach a bilingual staff

member with any questions. “It helps to have somebody speaking Spanish answering the

phone,” Oltman says.

Regardless of language, what helps Contra Costa connect is a personal touch. “We wanted

people to feel comfortable calling up and asking questions about their drinking water. When

you have somebody’s name, you feel right off the bat more comfortable picking up the

phone and calling.”

El Paso Water Utilities’ Curious Customers

All drinking water contains naturally occurring minerals and other substances. Often,

substances have no harmful effects, but lead to interesting questions from the public.

“We receive a number of calls related to lithium,” says John Balliew, water systems

division manager of El Paso Water Utilities. A small amount of lithium, a chemical

sometimes used to treat mental illness, occurs naturally in El Paso’s water. Although the

amount is much smaller than a

medical dose, the lithium does

generate interest. “Periodically the

newspaper will run an article,”

Balliew says. “There’s speculation

that it corresponds with a low rate of

violent crime here. People call up,

even from other countries, saying

they’ve heard about it, is it correct?”

To put it into perspective, the utility’s

2002 Consumer Confidence Report

has a Frequently Asked Questions

section that includes, “Is lithium

present in El Paso’s Water? Does it

have an effect on people’s moods?”

The answer puts numbers into

context. “To get the same amount of

lithium as in one standard capsule,

you would have to drink about 600

glasses of water.”

Curious reporters and members of the public seem to appreciate the information, Balliew

says. “Most people that have called in and talked to us about it find it very helpful.”

Another issue the Frequently Asked Questions sets straight is the hardness of El Paso

water. “The soft water/hard water issue gets batted around a lot because there are a lot of

salespeople around selling water softeners,” says Balliew. “Most people, if you ask them,

why do you have a water treatment system, or buy bottled water, the number one

response is taste. Number two is hardness.”

The CCR describes El Paso’s water as “moderately hard to hard,” based on calcium and

magnesium content. The report explains that although excessively hard water can cause

corrosion in pipes and cause faster wear of certain appliances, the utility does not

recommend that customers install water softeners.

“I think it helps the consumer save money,” Balliew says. “We’re just trying to tell the

consumer that they should really think twice about accepting that type of information (from

salespeople).”

Des Moines Water Works Promotes Prevention

In Iowa’s Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, nitrate contamination has been on an upward

trend for nearly three decades, reaching record levels in 2001. It’s been a well-publicized

issue, raising concern among community members and prompting farmers to rethink their

practices. There have also been beach closings and warnings not to swim in waters

because of E. coli. So Des Moines Water Works devoted its entire front page to source

water contamination and what people can do to prevent it.

“DMWW strongly believes that people need to

understand the problem before they can become

part of the solution,” says Melissa Sharer of Des

Moines Water Works’ communications staff.

“DMWW tries to provide its customers with

concrete ideas for prevention strategies by

explaining the source water contaminants and

then suggesting specific steps that can be taken

to prevent pollution.”

The report explains how nitrates, bacteria and

other contaminants can enter ground water and

surface water sources, and describes how

individuals can make a difference at home and in

the community. It also tells readers how to order

copies of source water assessments. This

information involves readers personally, enticing them to turn the page and learn about the

quality of their drinking water.

In addition to consumer confidence reports, Des Moines Water Works routinely educates

customers through its monthly newsletter, annual report, and various fact sheets

distributed throughout the year. Information is designed for all ages, from elementary

schoolchildren to adult customers.

The education campaign has paid off. In a recent survey of its customers, Des Moines

Water Works ranked highest in terms of reliability regarding water quality and safety

information sources. The utility ranked ahead of television, newspapers, government

agencies, and health care professionals. Customers said they appreciated that the

information from the utility came from within, not an outside public relations company

repackaging the information with a positive spin. One respondent said the utility was “good

in informing public when, and if, there could be any problem in the quality of water.”

United Water Delaware: Honesty Wins Trust

United Water Delaware provides water services to 103,000 people in New Castle County.

When a treatment technique violation occurred in 2001, public water system officials

immediately coordinated with the health department and notified their consumers. The

2002 Consumer Confidence report included detailed information about the turbidity

violation. As required by the

CCR regulation, it also included

a clear explanation of what

happened, what actions were

taken immediately to notify

customers, locate and fix the

problem. The report explained that the turbidity had not interfered with disinfection, and

there was adequate chlorine residual to ensure that there was no risk to public health.

Plant manager Dave Fournier says that years ago, most public water system officials were

reluctant to disclose information on violations, wary of backlash from a frightened public.

Today, with annual CCRs and improved public notification requirements and customer

relations, “there is much more focus on ethics and reporting.”

“There’s a definite correlation between honesty and building public trust,” Fournier says.

“When something does go wrong, they want to know if a utility is hiding anything. Our

public perception is very important. We find it better to take a proactive approach, rather

than sitting there waiting for the public to let us know.”

In addition to reassuring customers, Fournier says the CCR is a vehicle for encouraging

them to think about their environment and where their water comes from. For example, it

helps them understand whether a problem has originated at the treatment plant or pollution

of the water source. “It might encourage them to start thinking about taking care of their

water sources and environment.”

Comparisons Help Readers Visualize Numbers

Often the measures used for detected contaminants are confusing to

consumers. Terms such as one part per million and one part per billion are hard

to visualize and grasp. Consider using comparisons to explain the contaminant

amounts found in water:

Think of one part per million as:

• 1 inch in 16 miles

• 1 minute in 2 years

• 1 cent in $10,000

Think of one part per billion as:

• 1 inch in 16,000 miles

• 1 second in 32 years

• 1 cent in $10 million

Using these comparisons may help your customers understand the significance

of a detected level in your drinking water.

www.epa.gov/safewater • Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791

Consumer Confidence Report Major Requirements

Community Water Systems (CWS) with 15 or more connections or serving at least 25

year round residents must prepare and distribute a CCR to all billing units or service

connections.

• April 1—Deadline for CWS that sells water to another CWS to deliver the

information necessary for the buyer CWS to prepare their CCR (req. outlined in 40

CFR 141.152)

• July 1—Deadline for annual distribution of CCR to customers and State or local

primacy agency for report covering January 1 – December 31 of previous calendar

year

• October 1—(or 90 days after distribution of CCR to customers, whichever is

first)—Deadline for annual submission of proof of distribution to State or local

primacy agency

• A system serving 100,000 or more persons must also post its current year’s report

on a publicly accessible site on the Internet. Many systems choose to post their

reports at the following EPA website http://yosemite.epa.gov/ogwdw/ccr.nsf/

america

• All systems must make copies of the report available on request

Water System Information

• Name/phone number of contact person

• Information on public participation opportunities (time and place for meetings or

hearings)

• Information for non-English speaking populations (if applicable)

Source of Water

• Type (ex. ground water or surface water), commonly used name, and location of

water sources (ex. Potomac River; Snake River Plain Aquifer, etc.) (Exact locations/

coordinates of wells and intakes should not be included for security reasons.)

• Availability of source water assessment

• Brief summary on potential sources of contamination (if available)

Definitions

• Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)

• Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG)

• Treatment Technique (TI) (if applicable)

• Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) (if applicable)

• Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) (if applicable)

• Action Level (AL) (if applicable)

• Variances and Exemptions (if applicable)

Detected Contaminants

• Table summarizing data on detected regulated and unregulated contaminants that

were detected during the last round of sampling

• Known or likely source of each detected contaminant

• Health effects language for any violations, exceedances or when Arsenic levels are

> 0.010 mg/L or ≤ 0.05 mg/L

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

Compliance with Drinking Water Regulations

• Explanation of violations, length of violations, potential health effects, and steps

taken to correct the violations

• Explanation of variance/exemption (if applicable)

Required Educational Information

• Explanation of contaminants and their presence in drinking water including bottled

water

• Warning for vulnerable or immunocompromised populations about Cryptosporidium

• Informational statements on arsenic, nitrate, lead, and TTHM (if applicable)

• EPA’S Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791

Every year, all water suppliers that serve the same people year round must prepare a consumer confidence report, or water quality report,

for their customers. The report tells customers where their drinking water comes from, what’s in it, and how they can protect it.

Below are success stories and tips that show how consumer confidence reports can help build communities’ trust in their water utilities.

There’s a definite correlation between

honesty and building public trust.

— Dave Fournier, United Water Delaware

EPA’s CCRiWriter: Just Add Data and Customize

The CCRiWriter is a free web-based program that allows water system personnel to

enter data and generate a consumer confidence report. After logging in, you answer

questions about your system’s source water and detected contaminants. After you

finish answering, you can edit, customize, and print!

Required information is already included to save you time. As federal drinking water

requirements change, the CCRiWriter is updated—no need to worry about new

changes. You can add in any additonal state requirements.

The information is password protected to make sure only you and people you

authorize are able to access or edit your CCR.

If you operate more than one water system, create separate CCRs for as many

systems as you need; there is no limit. And by saving reports under different names,

you can use CCRiWriter year after year.

To access the program, go to www.ccriwriter.com.
 National Primary Drinking Water Standards

1 Definitions

• Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG)—The level of a contaminant in drinking water below

which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety and are

non-enforceable public health goals.

• Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)—The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking

water. MCLs are set as close to MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology

and taking cost into consideration. MCLs are enforceable standards.

• Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG)—The level of a drinking water disinfectant

below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of

the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

• Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL)—The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking

water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial

contaminants.

• Treatment Technique (TT)—A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in

drinking water.

2 Units are in milligrams per liter (mg/L) unless otherwise noted. Milligrams per liter are equivalent to

parts per million (ppm).

3 EPA’s surface water treatment rules require systems using surface water or ground water under the

direct influence of surface water to (1) disinfect their water, and (2) filter their water or meet criteria for

avoiding filtration so that the following contaminants are controlled at the following levels:

• Cryptosporidium (as of 1/1/02 for systems serving >10,000 and 1/14/05 for systems serving

<10,000) 99% removal.

• Giardia lamblia: 99.9% removal/inactivation

• Viruses: 99.99% removal/inactivation

• Legionella: No limit, but EPA believes that if Giardia and viruses are removed/inactivated, Legionella

will also be controlled.

• Turbidity: At no time can turbidity (cloudiness of water) go above 5 nephelolometric turbidity units

(NTU); systems that filter must ensure that the turbidity go no higher than 1 NTU (0.5 NTU for

conventional or direct filtration) in at least 95% of the daily samples in any month. As of January 1,

2002, for systems servicing >10,000, and January 14, 2005, for systems servicing <10,000,

turbidity may never exceed 1 NTU, and must not exceed 0.3 NTU in 95% of daily samples in any

month.

• HPC: No more than 500 bacterial colonies per milliliter

• Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment (Effective Date: January 14, 2005); Surface water

systems or (GWUDI) systems serving fewer than 10,000 people must comply with the applicable

Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule provisions (e.g. turbidity standards, individual

filter monitoring, Cryptosporidium removal requirements, updated watershed control requirements

for unfiltered systems).

• Filter Backwash Recycling: The Filter Backwash Recycling Rule requires systems that recycle to

return specific recycle flows through all processes of the system’s existing conventional or direct

filtration system or at an alternate location approved by the state.

4 No more than 5.0% samples total coliform-positive in a month. (For water systems that collect fewer

than 40 routine samples per month, no more than one sample can be total coliform-positive per month.)

Every sample that has total coliform must be analyzed for either fecal coliforms or E. coli if two consecutive

TC-positive samples, and one is also positive for E. coli fecal coliforms, system has an acute MCL

violation.

5 Fecal coliform and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated

with human or animal wastes. Disease-causing microbes (pathogens) in these wastes can cause

diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. These pathogens may pose a special health

risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune systems.

6 Although there is no collective MCLG for this contaminant group, there are individual MCLGs for some

of the individual contaminants:

• Haloacetic acids: dichloroacetic acid (zero); trichloroacetic acid (0.3 mg/L)

• Trihalomethanes: bromodichloromethane (zero); bromoform (zero); dibromochloromethane (0.06

mg/L)

7 Lead and copper are regulated by a Treatment Technique that requires systems to control the

corrosiveness of their water. If more than 10% of tap water samples exceed the action level,

water systems must take additional steps. For copper, the action level is 1.3 mg/L, and for lead is

0.015 mg/L.

8 Each water system must certify, in writing, to the state (using third-party or manufacturers certification)

that when it uses acrylamide and/or epichlorohydrin to treat water, the combination (or product) of

dose and monomer level does not exceed the levels specified, as follows: Acrylamide = 0.05% dosed

at 1 mg/L (or equivalent); Epichlorohydrin = 0.01% dosed at 20 mg/L (or equivalent).

N O T E S

L E G E N D

D Dinsinfectant IOC Inorganic Chemical OC Organic Chemical

DBP Disinfection Byproduct M Microorganism R Radionuclides

Office of Water (4606M)

EPA 816-H-03-002

www.epa.gov/safewater

June 2003

For More

Information

EPA Office of Ground Water

& Drinking Water

www.epa.gov/safewater

Safe Drinking Water Hotline

1-800-426-4791

EPA/OGWDW

(202) 564-3750

Contaminant MCL or TT1 Potential health effects from Common sources of contaminant Public

(mg/L)2 exposure above the MCL in drinking water Health Goal

Acrylamide TT8 OC Nervous system or blood problems; Added to water during sewage/wastewater zero

increased risk of cancer treatment

Alachlor 0.002 OC Eye, liver, kidney or spleen problems; Runoff from herbicide used on row crops zero

anemia; increased risk of cancer

Alpha particles 15 picocuries R Increased risk of cancer Erosion of natural deposits of certain minerals zero

per Liter (pCi/L) that are radioactive and may emit a form of

radiation known as alpha radiation

Antimony 0.006 IOC Increase in blood cholesterol; Discharge from petroleum refineries; fire 0.006

decrease in blood sugar retardants; ceramics; electronics; solder

Arsenic 0.010 as of IOC Skin damage or problems with circulatory Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards, 0

1/23/06 systems, and may have increased risk of runoff from glass & electronics production wastes

getting cancer

Asbestos (fibers >10 7 million fibers IOC Increased risk of developing benign Decay of asbestos cement in water mains; 7 MFL

micrometers) per Liter (MFL) intestinal polyps erosion of natural deposits

Atrazine 0.003 OC Cardiovascular system or Runoff from herbicide used on row crops 0.003

reproductive problems

Barium 2 IOC Increase in blood pressure Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal 2

refineries; erosion of natural deposits

Benzene 0.005 OC Anemia; decrease in blood platelets; Discharge from factories; leaching from gas zero

increased risk of cancer storage tanks and landfills

Benzo(a)pyrene (PAHs) 0.0002 OC Reproductive difficulties; increased Leaching from linings of water storage tanks zero

risk of cancer and distribution lines

Beryllium 0.004 IOC Intestinal lesions Discharge from metal refineries and coal-burning 0.004

factories; discharge from electrical, aerospace,

and defense industries

Beta particles and 4 millirems R Increased risk of cancer Decay of natural and man-made deposits of zero

photon emitters per year certain minerals that are radioactive and mayemit

forms of radiation known as photons and beta

radiation

Bromate 0.010 DBP Increased risk of cancer Byproduct of drinking water disinfection zero

Cadmium 0.005 IOC Kidney damage Corrosion of galvanized pipes; erosion of natural 0.005

deposits; discharge from metal refineries; runoff

from waste batteries and paints

Carbofuran 0.04 OC Problems with blood, nervous system, Leaching of soil fumigant used on rice 0.04

or reproductive system and alfalfa

Carbon tetrachloride 0.005 OC Liver problems; increased risk of cancer Discharge from chemical plants and other zero

industrial activities

Chloramines (as Cl2) MRDL=4.01 D Eye/nose irritation; stomach Water additive used to control microbes MRDLG=41

discomfort, anemia

Chlordane 0.002 OC Liver or nervous system problems; Residue of banned termiticide zero

increased risk of cancer

Chlorine (as Cl2) MRDL=4.01 D Eye/nose irritation; stomach discomfort Water additive used to control microbes MRDLG=41

Chlorine dioxide (as ClO2) MRDL=0.81 D Anemia; infants & young children: nervous Water additive used to control microbes MRDLG=0.81

system effects

Chlorite 1.0 DBP Anemia; infants & young children: Byproduct of drinking water disinfection 0.8

nervous system effects

Chlorobenzene 0.1 OC Liver or kidney problems Discharge from chemical and agricultural 0.1

chemical factories

Chromium (total) 0.1 IOC Allergic dermatitis Discharge from steel and pulp mills; 0.1

erosion of natural deposits

Copper TT7; IOC Short term exposure: Gastrointestinal Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion 1.3

Action distress. Long term exposure: Liver or kidney of natural deposits

Level = 1.3 damage. People with Wilson’s Disease

should consult their personal doctor if the

amount of copper in their water exceeds the

action level

Cryptosporidium TT3 M Gastrointestinal illness (e.g., diarrhea, Human and fecal animal waste zero

vomiting, cramps)

Cyanide (as free cyanide) 0.2 IOC Nerve damage or thyroid problems Discharge from steel/metal factories; discharge 0.2

from plastic and fertilizer factories

2,4-D 0.07 OC Kidney, liver, or adrenal gland problems Runoff from herbicide used on row crops 0.07

Dalapon 0.2 OC Minor kidney changes Runoff from herbicide used on rights of way 0.2

1,2-Dibromo-3- 0.0002 OC Reproductive difficulties; increased Runoff/leaching from soil fumigant used on zero

chloropropane (DBCP) risk of cancer soybeans, cotton, pineapples, and orchards

o-Dichlorobenzene 0.6 OC Liver, kidney, or circulatory system problems Discharge from industrial chemical factories 0.6

p-Dichlorobenzene 0.075 OC Anemia; liver, kidney or spleen damage; Discharge from industrial chemical factories 0.075

changes in blood

1,2-Dichloroethane 0.005 OC Increased risk of cancer Discharge from industrial chemical factories zero

1,1-Dichloroethylene 0.007 OC Liver problems Discharge from industrial chemical factories 0.007

cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene 0.07 OC Liver problems Discharge from industrial chemical factories 0.07

trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene 0.1 OC Liver problems Discharge from industrial chemical factories 0.1

Dichloromethane 0.005 OC Liver problems; increased risk of cancer Discharge from drug and chemical factories zero

1,2-Dichloropropane 0.005 OC Increased risk of cancer Discharge from industrial chemical factories zero

Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate 0.4 OC Weight loss, live problems, or possible Discharge from chemical factories 0.4

reproductive difficulties

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate 0.006 OC Reproductive difficulties; liver problems; Discharge from rubber and chemical factories zero

increased risk of cancer

Dinoseb 0.007 OC Reproductive difficulties Runoff from herbicide used on soybeans 0.007

and vegetables

Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) 0.00000003 OC Reproductive difficulties; increased risk of Emissions from waste incineration and other zero

cancer combustion; discharge from chemical factories

Diquat 0.02 OC Cataracts Runoff from herbicide use 0.02

Endothall 0.1 OC Stomach and intestinal problems Runoff from herbicide use 0.1

Endrin 0.002 OC Liver problems Residue of banned insecticide 0.002

Epichlorohydrin TT8 OC Increased cancer risk, and over a long Discharge from industrial chemical factories; an zero

period of time, stomach problems impurity of some water treatment chemicals

Ethylbenzene 0.7 OC Liver or kidneys problems Discharge from petroleum refineries 0.7

Ethylene dibromide 0.00005 OC Problems with liver, stomach, reproductive Discharge from petroleum refineries zero

system, or kidneys; increased risk of cancer

Contaminant MCL or TT1 Potential health effects from Common sources of contaminant Public

(mg/L)2 exposure above the MCL in drinking water Health Goal

Fluoride 4.0 IOC Bone disease (pain and tenderness of the Water additive which promotes strong teeth; 4.0

bones); Children may get mottled teeth erosion of natural deposits; discharge from

fertilizer and aluminum factories

Giardia lamblia TT3 M Gastrointestinal illness (e.g., diarrhea, Human and animal fecal waste zero

vomiting, cramps)

Glyphosate 0.7 OC Kidney problems; reproductive difficulties Runoff from herbicide use 0.7

Haloacetic acids (HAA5) 0.060 DBP Increased risk of cancer Byproduct of drinking water disinfection n/a6

Heptachlor 0.0004 OC Liver damage; increased risk of cancer Residue of banned termiticide zero

Heptachlor epoxide 0.0002 OC Liver damage; increased risk of cancer Breakdown of heptachlor zero

Heterotrophic plate TT3 M HPC has no health effects; it is an analytic HPC measures a range of bacteria that are n/a

count (HPC) method used to measure the variety of naturally present in the environment

bacteria that are common in water. The

lower the concentration of bacteria in

drinking water, the better maintained the

water system is.

Hexachlorobenzene 0.001 OC Liver or kidney problems; reproductive Discharge from metal refineries and agricultural zero

difficulties; increased risk of cancer chemical factories

Hexachlorocyclo- 0.05 OC Kidney or stomach problems Discharge from chemical factories 0.05

pentadiene

Lead TT7; Action IOC Infants and children: Delays in physical or Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion zero

 Level = 0.015 mental development; children could show of natural deposits

slight deficits in attention span and learning

abilities; Adults: Kidney problems; high

blood pressure

Legionella TT3 M Legionnaire’s Disease, a type of pneumonia Found naturally in water; multiplies in zero

heating systems

Lindane 0.0002 OC Liver or kidney problems Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on 0.0002

cattle, lumber, gardens

Mercury (inorganic) 0.002 IOC Kidney damage Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from 0.002

refineries and factories; runoff from landfills

and croplands

Methoxychlor 0.04 OC Reproductive difficulties Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on 0.04

fruits, vegetables, alfalfa, livestock

Nitrate (measured as 10 IOC Infants below the age of six months who Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic 10

Nitrogen) drink water containing nitrate in excess of tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits

the MCL could become seriously ill and, if

untreated, may die. Symptoms include

shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome.

Nitrite (measured as 1 IOC Infants below the age of six months who Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic 1

Nitrogen) drink water containing nitrite in excess of tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits

the MCL could become seriously ill and, if

untreated, may die. Symptoms include

shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome.

Oxamyl (Vydate) 0.2 OC Slight nervous system effects Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on 0.2

apples, potatoes, and tomatoes

Pentachlorophenol 0.001 OC Liver or kidney problems; increased Discharge from wood preserving factories zero

cancer risk

Picloram 0.5 OC Liver problems Herbicide runoff 0.5

Polychlorinated 0.0005 OC Skin changes; thymus gland problems; Runoff from landfills; discharge of waste chemicals zero

biphenyls (PCBs) immune deficiencies; reproductive or nervous

system difficulties; increased risk of cancer

Radium 226 and 5 pCi/L R Increased risk of cancer Erosion of natural deposits zero

Radium 228 (combined)

Selenium 0.05 IOC Hair or fingernail loss; numbness in Discharge from petroleum refineries; erosion 0.05

fingers or toes; circulatory problems of natural deposits; discharge from mines

Simazine 0.004 OC Problems with blood Herbicide runoff 0.004

Styrene 0.1 OC Liver, kidney, or circulatory system Discharge from rubber and plastic factories; 0.1

problems leaching from landfills

Tetrachloroethylene 0.005 OC Liver problems; increased risk of cancer Discharge from factories and dry cleaners zero

Thallium 0.002 IOC Hair loss; changes in blood; kidney, Leaching from ore-processing sites; discharge 0.0005

intestine, or liver problems from electronics, glass, and drug factories

Toluene 1 OC Nervous system, kidney, or liver problems Discharge from petroleum factories 1

Total Coliforms (including 5.0%4 M Not a health threat in itself; it is used to Coliforms are naturally present in the environment zero

fecal coliform and E. coli) indicate whether other potentially harmful as well as feces; fecal coliforms and E. coli only

bacteria may be present5 come from human and animal fecal waste.

Total Trihalomethanes 0.10 DBP Liver, kidney or central nervous system Byproduct of drinking water disinfection n/a6

(TTHMs) 0.080 after problems; increased risk of cancer

 12/31/03

Toxaphene 0.003 OC Kidney, liver, or thyroid problems; Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on zero

increased risk of cancer cotton and cattle

2,4,5-TP (Silvex) 0.05 OC Liver problems Residue of banned herbicide 0.05

1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 0.07 OC Changes in adrenal glands Discharge from textile finishing factories 0.07

1,1,1-Trichloroethane 0.2 OC Liver, nervous system, or circulatory Discharge from metal degreasing sites and 0.20

problems other factories

1,1,2-Trichloroethane 0.005 OC Liver, kidney, or immune system problems Discharge from industrial chemical factories 0.003

Trichloroethylene 0.005 OC Liver problems; increased risk of cancer Discharge from metal degreasing sites and zero

other factories

Turbidity TT3 M Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of Soil runoff n/a

water. It is used to indicate water quality

and filtration effectiveness (e.g., whether

disease-causing organisms are present).

Higher turbidity levels are often associated

with higher levels of disease-causing microorganisms such as viruses, parasites and

some bacteria. These organisms can cause

symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea,

and associated headaches.

Uranium 30 ug/L as of R Increased risk of cancer, kidney toxicity Erosion of natural deposits zero

12/08/03

Vinyl chloride 0.002 OC Increased risk of cancer Leaching from PVC pipes; discharge from plastic factories zero

Viruses (enteric) TT3 M Gastrointestinal illness (e.g., diarrhea, Human and animal fecal waste zero

vomiting, cramps)

Xylenes (total) 10 OC Nervous system damage Discharge from petroleum factories; 10

discharge from chemical factories

National Secondary Drinking

Water Standards

National Secondary Drinking Water Standards are non-enforceable guidelines regulating

contaminants that may cause cosmetic effects (such as skin or tooth discoloration) or

aesthetic effects (such as taste, odor, or color) in drinking water. EPA recommends

secondary standards to water systems but does not require systems to comply. However,

states may choose to adopt them as enforceable standards.

Contaminant Secondary Standard

Aluminum 0.05 to 0.2 mg/L

Chloride 250 mg/L

Color 15 (color units)

Copper 1.0 mg/L

Corrosivity noncorrosive

Fluoride 2.0 mg/L

Foaming Agents 0.5 mg/L

Iron 0.3 mg/L

Manganese 0.05 mg/L

Odor 3 threshold odor number

pH 6.5-8.5

Silver 0.10 mg/L

Sulfate 250 mg/L

Total Dissolved Solids 500 mg/L

Zinc 5 mg/L