Water can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, mining or farming. Pesticides and herbicides, may come from agriculture, urban storm water runoff and residential uses. Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organics, are byproducts of industrial processes and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff and septic systems. Radioactive contaminants can be naturally occurring or be the result of human activities.
High nitrate can cause blue baby syndrome.
Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If you are caring for an infant you should ask advice from your health care provider. Infants and young children are typically more vulnerable to lead in drinking water than the general population. It is possible that lead levels at your home may be higher than at other homes in the community as a result of materials used in your home s plumbing. If you are concerned about elevated lead levels in your home s water, you may wish to have your water tested and flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using tap water.