The EPA has established that no amount of this chemical should be present in water. Short term exposure can cause damage to the nervous system. Long term exposure can lead to paralysis and cancer. Arsenic A natural and man made ground water contaminant, this contaminant can cause skin damage, circulatory system problems and an increased risk of cancer. This is a fibrous mineral that can contaminate water naturally through movement in the ground or through contact with water pipes that have used asbestos as part of its composition such as in concrete water distribution pipes.
Asbestos increases the risk of developing benign intestinal polyps.
This group of contaminants can cause gastroenteric disease such as Giardiasis and other unpleasant intestinal disorders. Biological pathogens are a major health threat for people with weakened Immune systems. This metal is widely used in household plumbing materials and corrosion of household copper piping may lead to excessive levels in drinking water. Copper is an essential nutrient but excessive amounts can cause stomach and intestinal distress, liver and kidney damage and anemia. Cryptosporidium A microbial pathogen that is highly resistant to traditional disinfection practices used by municipal water treatment operations.