Lead is a poison that can accumulate in the body and cause brain, kidney, or nerve damage in addition to anemia and even death. Lead is especially dangerous to children and pregnant women. While lead exposure through various media can happen, it has been found to occur in drinking water at sufficient levels to warrant concern. In addition to lead, nitrates can also enter water following treatment. Faulty cross- connections with wastewater piping are often the source of nitrate contamination when it occurs in treated water.
Nitrates are of special concern to young children and women of child-bearing age.
Bacteria can enter water following treatment in both the distribution system and house- hold plumbing networks. Coliform bacteria are used as in indicator of the presence of these organisms in water. Contact your public water system and describe any problems or suspicions you may have about your water. Contact State and local drinking water officials for information on water testing services. Some government agencies provide such services to consumers free of charge.