Alabama Administrative Code › Title 335 - ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT › WATER DIVISION - WATER SUPPLY PROGRAM › Chapter - APPENDICES › Appendix C - HEALTH EFFECTS AND REQUIRED LANGUAGE FOR SPECIFIC CONTAMINANTS

Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 9, June 28, 2024
Required language to be used in Public Notifications when
				  drinking water standards or treatment requirements are not maintained.
(1)
Fecal Indicators (GWR -
E. coli
,
				  enterococci, coliphage)
Fecal indicators are microbes whose presence
				  indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes.
				  Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term health effects, such as diarrhea,
				  cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health
				  risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely
				  compromised immune systems.
(2)
Ground Water Rule (GWR) TT Violations
Inadequately treated or inadequately protected water may contain
				  disease-causing organisms. These organisms can cause symptoms such as diarrhea,
				  nausea, cramps, and associated headaches.
(3)
Coliform Assessment and/or Corrective Action
				  Violations (rule
				  335-7-2-.22)
Coliforms
				  are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an
				  indicator that other, potentially harmful, waterborne pathogens may be present
				  or that a potential pathway exists through which contamination may enter the
				  drinking water distribution system. We found coliforms indicating the need to
				  look for potential problems in water treatment or distribution. When this
				  occurs, we are required to conduct assessments to identify problems and to
				  correct any problems that are found.
[THE SYSTEM MUST USE THE FOLLOWING APPLICABLE
				  SENTENCES.]
We failed to conduct the required assessment.
We failed to correct all identified sanitary defects that
				  were found during the assessment(s).
(4)
E. coli.
Assessment and/or
				  Corrective Action Violations (rule
				  335-7-2-.22)
E.
				  coli
are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be
				  contaminated with human or animal wastes. Human pathogens in these wastes can
				  cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other
				  symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the
				  elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. We violated the
				  standard for
E. coli
, indicating the need to look for
				  potential problems in water treatment or distribution. When this occurs, we are
				  required to conduct a detailed assessment to identify problems and to correct
				  any problems that are found.
[THE SYSTEM MUST USE THE FOLLOWING APPLICABLE
				  SENTENCES.]
We failed to conduct the required
				  assessment.
We failed to correct all identified sanitary defects
				  that were
found during the assessment that we
				  conducted.
(5)
E. coli
(rule
				  335-7-2-.07)
E.
				  coli
are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be
				  contaminated with human or animal wastes. Human pathogens in these wastes can
				  cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other
				  symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the
				  elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.
(6)
Seasonal System TT Violations (rule
				  335-7-2-.07(7)
When this violation includes the failure to monitor for total coliforms
				  or
E. coli
prior to serving water to the public, the mandatory
				  language found at 141.205(d)(2) must be used.
When this violation includes failure to complete other
				  actions, the appropriate elements found in 141.205(a) to describe the violation
				  must be used.
(7)
Turbidity (MCL)
Turbidity has no health
				  effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a
				  medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of
				  disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and
				  parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and
				  associated headaches.
(8)
Turbidity (SWTR TT)
Turbidity has no health
				  effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a
				  medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of
				  disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and
				  parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and
				  associated headaches.
(9)
Turbidity (IESWTR TT)
Turbidity has no health
				  effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a
				  medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of
				  disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and
				  parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and
				  associated headaches.
(10)
Giardia lamblia (SWTR/IESWTR/LT1ESWTR), Viruses
				  (SWTR/IESWTR/LT1ESWTR), Heterotrophic plate count (HPC) bacteria
				  (SWTR/IESWTR/LT1ESWTR), Legionella (SWTR/IESWTR/LT1ESWTR), and
Cryptosporidium
(IESWTR/FBRR/LT1ESWTR)
Inadequately
				  treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include
				  bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea,
				  cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.
(11)
Antimony
Some people who drink water
				  containing antimony well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
				  increases in blood cholesterol and decreases in blood sugar.
(12)
Arsenic
Some people who drink water
				  containing arsenic in excess of the MCL over many years could experience skin
				  damage or problems with their circulatory system, and may have an increased
				  risk of getting cancer.
(13)
Asbestos
Some people who drink water
				  containing asbestos in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased
				  risk of developing benign intestinal polyps.
(14)
Barium
Some people who drink water
				  containing barium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience an
				  increase in their blood pressure.
(15)
Beryllium
Some people who drink water
				  containing beryllium well in excess of the MCL over many years could develop
				  intestinal lesions.
(16)
Cadmium
Some people who drink water
				  containing cadmium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience kidney
				  damage.
(17)
Chromium
Some people who use water
				  containing chromium well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
				  allergic dermatitis.
(18)
Cyanide
Some people who drink water
				  containing cyanide well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
				  nerve damage or problems with their thyroid.
(19)
Fluoride
Some people who drink water
				  containing fluoride in excess of the MCL over many years could get bone
				  disease, including pain and tenderness of the bones. Fluoride in drinking water
				  at half the MCL or more may cause mottling of children's teeth, usually in
				  children less than nine years old. Mottling, also known as dental fluorosis,
				  may include brown staining and/or pitting of the teeth, and occurs only in
				  developing teeth, before they erupt from the gums.
(20)
Mercury
Some people who drink water
				  containing inorganic mercury well in excess of the MCL over many years could
				  experience kidney damage.
(21)
Nitrate
Infants below the age of six months
				  who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously
				  ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and
				  blue-baby syndrome.
(22)
Nitrite
Infants below the age of six months
				  who drink water containing nitrite in excess of the MCL could become seriously
				  ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and
				  blue-baby syndrome.
(23)
Total Nitrate and Nitrite
Infants below the
				  age of six months who drink water containing nitrate and nitrite in excess of
				  the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include
				  shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome.
(24)
Selenium
Selenium is an essential nutrient.
				  However, some people who drink water containing selenium in excess of the MCL
				  over many years could experience hair or fingernail losses, numbness in fingers
				  or toes, or problems with their circulation.
(25)
Thallium
Some people who drink water
				  containing thallium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience hair
				  loss, changes in their blood, or problems with their kidneys, intestines, or
				  liver.
(26)
Lead
Infants and children who drink water
				  containing lead in excess of the action level could experience delays in their
				  physical or mental development. Children could show slight deficits in
				  attention span and learning abilities. Adults who drink this water over many
				  years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.
(27)
Copper
Copper is an essential nutrient, but
				  some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level
				  over a relatively short amount of time could experience gastrointestinal
				  distress. Some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action
				  level over many years could suffer liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson's
				  Disease should consult their personal doctor.
(28)
2,4-D
Some people who drink water containing
				  the weed killer 2,4-D well in excess of the MCL over many years could
				  experience problems with their kidneys, liver, or adrenal glands.
(29)
2,4,5-TP (Silvex)
Some people who drink
				  water containing silvex in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
				  liver problems.
(30)
Alachlor
Some people who drink water
				  containing alachlor in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems
				  with their eyes, liver, kidneys, or spleen, or experience anemia, and may have
				  an increased risk of getting cancer.
(31)
Atrazine
Some people who drink water
				  containing atrazine well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
				  problems with their cardiovascular system or reproductive difficulties.
(32)
Benzo(a)pyrene
(PAHs) Some people who drink
				  water containing benzo(a)pyrene in excess of the MCL over many years may
				  experience reproductive difficulties and may have an increased risk of getting
				  cancer.
(33)
Carbofuran
Some people who drink water
				  containing carbofuran in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
				  problems with their blood, or nervous or reproductive systems.
(34)
Chlordane
Some people who drink water
				  containing chlordane in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
				  problems with their liver, or nervous system, and may have an increased risk of
				  getting cancer.
(35)
Dalapon
Some people who drink water
				  containing dalapon well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
				  minor kidney changes.
(36)
Di (2-ethylhexyl) adipate
Some people who
				  drink water containing di (2-ethylhexyl) adipate well in excess of the MCL over
				  many years could experience general toxic effects or reproductive
				  difficulties.
(37)
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
Some people who
				  drink water containing di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in excess of the MCL over
				  many years may have problems with their liver, or experience reproductive
				  difficulties, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
(38)
Dibromochloropropane (DBCP)
Some people who
				  drink water containing DBCP in excess of the MCL over many years could
				  experience reproductive difficulties and may have an increased risk of getting
				  cancer.
(39)
Dinoseb
Some people who drink water
				  containing dinoseb well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
				  reproductive difficulties.
(40)
Dioxin
Some people who drink water
				  containing dioxin in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
				  reproductive difficulties and may have an increased risk of getting
				  cancer.
(41)
Diquat
Some people who drink water
				  containing diquat in excess of the MCL over many years could get
				  cataracts.
(42)
Endothall
Some people who drink water
				  containing endothall in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
				  problems with their stomach or intestines.
(43)
Endrin
Some people who drink water
				  containing endrin in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver
				  problems.
(44)
Ethylene dibromide
Some people who drink
				  water containing ethylene dibromide in excess of the MCL over many years could
				  experience problems with their liver, stomach, reproductive system, or kidneys,
				  and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
(45)
Glyphosate
Some people who drink water
				  containing glyphosate in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
				  problems with their kidneys or reproductive difficulties.
(46)
Heptachlor
Some people who drink water
				  containing heptachlor in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
				  liver damage and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
(47)
Heptachlor epoxide
Some people who drink
				  water containing heptachlor epoxide in excess of the MCL over many years could
				  experience liver damage, and may have an increased risk of getting
				  cancer.
(48)
Hexachlorobenzene
Some people who drink
				  water containing hexachlorobenzene in excess of the MCL over many years could
				  experience problems with their liver or kidneys, or adverse reproductive
				  effects, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
(49)
Hexachlorocyclo-pentadiene
Some people who
				  drink water containing hexachlorocyclopentadiene well in excess of the MCL over
				  many years could experience problems with their kidneys or stomach.
(50)
Lindane
Some people who drink water
				  containing lindane in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
				  problems with their kidneys or liver.
(51)
Methoxychlor
Some people who drink water
				  containing methoxychlor in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
				  reproductive difficulties.
(52)
Oxamyl (Vydate)
Some people who drink water
				  containing oxamyl in excess of the MCL over many years could experience slight
				  nervous system effects.
(53)
Pentachlorophenol
Some people who drink
				  water containing pentachlorophenol in excess of the MCL over many years could
				  experience problems with their liver or kidneys, and may have an increased risk
				  of getting cancer.
(54)
Picloram
Some people who drink water
				  containing picloram in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
				  problems with their liver.
(55)
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
Some people
				  who drink water containing PCBs in excess of the MCL over many years could
				  experience changes in their skin, problems with their thymus gland, immune
				  deficiencies, or reproductive or nervous system difficulties, and may have an
				  increased risk of getting cancer.
(56)
Simazine
Some people who drink water
				  containing simazine in excess of the MCL over many years could experience
				  problems with their blood.
(57)
Toxaphene
Some people who drink water
				  containing toxaphene in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems
				  with their kidneys, liver, or thyroid, and may have an increased risk of
				  getting cancer.
(58)
Benzene
Some people who drink water
				  containing benzene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience anemia
				  or a decrease in blood platelets, and may have an increased risk of getting
				  cancer.
(59)
Carbon tetrachloride
Some people who drink
				  water containing carbon tetrachloride in excess of the MCL over many years
				  could experience problems with their liver and may have an increased risk of
				  getting cancer.
(60)
Chlorobenzene (monochlorobenzene)
Some
				  people who drink water containing chlorobenzene in excess of the MCL over many
				  years could experience problems with their liver or kidneys.
(61)
o-Dichlorobenzene
Some people who drink
				  water containing o-dichlorobenzene well in excess of the MCL over many years
				  could experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or circulatory
				  systems.
(62)
p-Dichlorobenzene
Some people who drink
				  water containing p-dichlorobenzene in excess of the MCL over many years could
				  experience anemia, damage to their liver, kidneys, or spleen, or changes in
				  their blood.
(63)
1,2-Dichloroethane
Some people who drink
				  water containing 1,2-dichloroethane in excess of the MCL over many years may
				  have an increased risk of getting cancer.
(64)
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Some people who drink
				  water containing 1,1-dichloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many years
				  could experience problems with their liver.
(65)
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Some people who
				  drink water containing cis-1,2-dichloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many
				  years could experience problems with their liver.
(66)
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Some people who
				  drink water containing trans-1,2-dichloroethylene well in excess of the MCL
				  over many years could experience problems with their liver.
(67)
Dichloromethane
Some people who drink water
				  containing dichloromethane in excess of the MCL over many years could have
				  liver problems and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
(68)
1,2-Dichloropropane
Some people who drink
				  water containing 1,2-dichloropropane in excess of the MCL over many years may
				  have an increased risk of getting cancer.
(69)
Ethylbenzene
Some people who drink water
				  containing ethylbenzene well in excess of the MCL over many years could
				  experience problems with their liver or kidneys.
(70)
Styrene
Some people who drink water
				  containing styrene well in excess of the MCL over many years could have
				  problems with their liver, kidneys, or circulatory system.
(71)
Tetrachloroethylene
Some people who drink
				  water containing tetrachloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many years could
				  have problems with their liver, and may have an increased risk of getting
				  cancer.
(72)
Toluene
Some people who drink water
				  containing toluene well in excess of the MCL over many years could have
				  problems with their nervous system, kidneys, or liver.
(73)
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
Some people who drink
				  water containing 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene well in excess of the MCL over many
				  years could experience changes in their adrenal glands.
(74)
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
Some people who drink
				  water containing 1,1,1-trichloroethane in excess of the MCL over many years
				  could experience problems with their liver, nervous system, or circulatory
				  system.
(75)
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Some people who drink
				  water containing 1,1,2-trichloroethane well in excess of the MCL over many
				  years could have problems with their liver, kidneys, or immune systems.
(76)
Trichloroethylene
Some people who drink
				  water containing trichloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many years could
				  experience problems with their liver and may have an increased risk of getting
				  cancer.
(77)
Vinyl chloride
Some people who drink water
				  containing vinyl chloride in excess of the MCL over many years may have an
				  increased risk of getting cancer.
(78)
Xylenes (total
) Some people who drink water
				  containing xylenes in excess of the MCL over many years could experience damage
				  to their nervous system.
(79)
Beta/photon emitters
Certain minerals are
				  radioactive and may emit forms of radiation known as photons and beta
				  radiation. Some people who drink water containing beta and photon emitters in
				  excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting
				  cancer.
(80)
Alpha emitters
(Gross alpha) Certain minerals
				  are radioactive and may emit a form of radiation known as alpha radiation. Some
				  people who drink water containing alpha emitters in excess of the MCL over many
				  years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
(81)
Combined radium (226 & 228)
Some people
				  who drink water containing radium 226 or 228 in excess of the MCL over many
				  years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
(82)
Uranium
Some people who drink water
				  containing uranium in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased
				  risk of getting cancer and kidney toxicity.
(83)
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Some people
				  who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years
				  may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system,
				  and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
(84)
Haloacetic Acids (HAA)
Some people who drink
				  water containing haloacetic acids in excess of the MCL over many years may have
				  an increased risk of getting cancer.
(85)
Bromate
Some people who drink water
				  containing bromate in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased
				  risk of getting cancer.
(86)
Chlorite
Some infants and young children who
				  drink water containing chlorite in excess of the MCL could experience nervous
				  system effects. Similar effects may occur in fetuses of pregnant women who
				  drink water containing chlorite in excess of the MCL. Some people may
				  experience anemia.
(87)
Chlorine
Some people who use drinking water
				  containing chlorine well in excess of the MRDL could experience irritating
				  effects to their eyes and nose. Some people who drink water containing chlorine
				  well in excess of the MRDL could experience stomach discomfort.
(88)
Chloramines
Some people who use drinking
				  water containing chloramines well in excess of the MRDL could experience
				  irritating effects to their eyes and nose. Some people who drink water
				  containing chloramines well in excess of the MRDL could experience stomach
				  discomfort or anemia.
(89)
Chlorine dioxide
where any 2 consecutive
				  daily samples taken at the entrance to the distribution system are above the
				  MRDL Some infants and young children who drink water containing chlorine
				  dioxide in excess of the MRDL could experience nervous system effects. Similar
				  effects may occur in fetuses of pregnant women who drink water containing
				  chlorine dioxide in excess of the MRDL. Some people may experience
				  anemia.
Add for public notification only: The chlorine dioxide
				  violations reported today are the result of exceedances at the treatment
				  facility only, not within the distribution system which delivers water to
				  consumers. Continued compliance with chlorine dioxide levels within the
				  distribution system minimizes the potential risk of these violations to
				  consumers.
(90)
Chlorine dioxide
where one or more
				  distribution system samples are above the MRDL Some infants and young children
				  who drink water containing chlorine dioxide in excess of the MRDL could
				  experience nervous system effects.
Similar effects may occur in fetuses of pregnant women who
				  drink water containing chlorine dioxide in excess of the MRDL. Some people may
				  experience anemia.
Add for public notification only: The chlorine dioxide
				  violations reported today include exceedances of the EPA standard within the
				  distribution system which delivers water to consumers. Violations of the
				  chlorine dioxide standard within the distribution system may harm human health
				  based on short-term exposures. Certain groups, including fetuses, infants, and
				  young children, may be especially susceptible to nervous system effects from
				  excessive chlorine dioxide exposure.
(91)
Control of DBP precursors (TOC)
Total
				  organic carbon (TOC) has no health effects. However, total organic carbon
				  provides a medium for the formation of disinfection byproducts. These
				  byproducts include trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). Drinking
				  water containing these byproducts in excess of the MCL may lead to adverse
				  health effects, liver or kidney problems, or nervous system effects, and may
				  lead to an increased risk of getting cancer.
(92)
Acrylamide
Some people who drink water
				  containing high levels of acrylamide over a long period of time could have
				  problems with their nervous system or blood, and may have an increased risk of
				  getting cancer.
(93)
Epichlorohydrin
Some people who drink water
				  containing high levels of epichlorohydrin over a long period of time could
				  experience stomach problems, and may have an increased risk of getting
				  cancer.
(94)
Fluoride (SMCL)
This is an alert about your
				  drinking water and a cosmetic dental problem that might affect children under
				  nine years of age. At low levels, fluoride can help prevent cavities, but
				  children drinking water containing more than 2 milligrams per liter (mg/l) of
				  fluoride may develop cosmetic discoloration of their permanent teeth (dental
				  fluorosis). The drinking water provided by your community water system [name]
				  has a fluoride concentration of [insert value] mg/l. Dental fluorosis, in its
				  moderate or severe forms, may result in a brown staining and/or pitting of the
				  permanent teeth. This problem occurs only in developing teeth, before they
				  erupt from the gums. Children under nine should be provided with alternative
				  sources of drinking water or water that has been treated to remove the fluoride
				  to avoid the possibility of staining and pitting of their permanent teeth. You
				  may also want to contact your dentist about proper use by young children of
				  fluoride-containing products. Older children and adults may safely drink the
				  water. Drinking water containing more than 4 mg/L of fluoride (the U.S.
				  Environmental Protection Agency's drinking water standard) can increase your
				  risk of developing bone disease. Your drinking water does not contain more than
				  4 mg/l of fluoride, but we're required to notify you when we discover that the
				  fluoride levels in your drinking water exceed 2 mg/l because of this cosmetic
				  dental problem. For more information, please call [name of water system
				  contact] of [name of community water system] at [phone number]. Some home water
				  treatment units are also available to remove fluoride from drinking water. To
				  learn more about available home water treatment units, you may call NSF
				  International at 1-877-8 -NSF-HELP.''
(95)
Standard Monitoring Violation Language
We
				  are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminants on a
				  regular basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not
				  your drinking water meets health standards. During [compliance period], we "did
				  not monitor or test'' or "did not complete all monitoring or testing'' for
				  [contaminant(s)], and therefore cannot be sure of the quality of your drinking
				  water during that time.
(96)
Standard Distribution Language
Please share
				  this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially
				  those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in
				  apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting
				  this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
(97)
Lead Public Education for Community Water
				  Systems
The following information must be provided as required by this
				  chapter: The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and (insert
				  name of water supplier) are concerned about lead in your drinking water.
				  Although most homes have very low levels of lead in their drinking water, some
				  homes in the community have lead levels above the EPA action level of 15 parts
				  per billion (ppb), or 0.015 milligrams of lead per liter of water (mg/L). Under
				  Federal law we are required to have a program in place to minimize lead in your
				  drinking water by (insert date when corrosion control will be completed for
				  your system). This program includes corrosion control treatment, source water
				  treatment, and public education. We are also required to replace each lead
				  service line that we control if the line contributes lead concentrations of
				  more than 15 ppb after we have completed the comprehensive treatment program.
				  If you have any questions about how we are carrying out the requirements of the
				  lead regulation please give us a call at (insert water system's phone number).
				  This brochure explains the simple steps you can take to protect you and your
				  family by reducing your exposure to lead in drinking water.
Health effects of lead. Lead is a common metal found
				  throughout the environment in lead-based paint, air, soil, household dust,
				  food, certain types of pottery, porcelain and pewter, and water. Lead can pose
				  a significant risk to your health if too much of it enters your body. Lead
				  builds up in the body over many years and can cause damage to the brain, red
				  blood cells and kidneys. The greatest risk is to young children and pregnant
				  women. Amounts of lead that will not hurt adults can slow down normal mental
				  and physical development of growing bodies. In addition, a child at play often
				  comes into contact with sources of lead contamination such as dirt and dust
				  that rarely affect an adult. It is important to wash children's hands and toys
				  often, and to try to make sure they only put food in their mouths.
Lead in Drinking Water. Lead in drinking water, although
				  rarely the sole cause of lead poisoning, can significantly increase a person's
				  total lead exposure, particularly the exposure of infants who drink baby
				  formulas and concentrated juices that are mixed with water. The EPA estimates
				  that drinking water can make up 20 per cent or more of a person's total
				  exposure to lead. Lead is unusual among drinking water contaminants in that it
				  seldom occurs naturally in water supplies like rivers and lakes. Lead enters
				  drinking water primarily as a result of the corrosion, or wearing away, of
				  materials containing lead in the water distribution system and household
				  plumbing. These materials include lead-based solder used to join copper pipe,
				  brass and chrome plated brass faucets, and in some cases, pipe made of lead
				  that connect your house to the water main (service lines). In 1986, Congress
				  banned the use of lead solder containing greater than 0.2% lead, and restricted
				  the lead content of faucets, pipes and other plumbing materials to 8.0%. When
				  water stands in lead pipes or plumbing systems containing lead for several
				  hours or more, the lead may dissolve into your drinking water. This means the
				  first water drawn from the tap in the morning, or later in the afternoon after
				  returning from work or school, can contain fairly high levels of lead.
Steps You Can Take in the Home To Reduce Exposure To Lead in
				  Drinking Water. Despite our best efforts mentioned earlier to control water
				  corrosivity and remove lead from the water supply, lead levels in some homes or
				  buildings can be high. To find out whether you need to take action in your own
				  home, have your drinking water tested to determine if it contains excessive
				  concentrations of lead. Testing the water is essential because you cannot see,
				  taste, or smell lead in drinking water. Some local laboratories that can
				  provide this service are listed at the end of this booklet. For more
				  information on having your water tested, please call (insert phone number of
				  water system and attach a list of ADEM certified laboratories in your
				  area).
If a water test indicates that the drinking water drawn from
				  a tap in your home contains lead above 15 ppb, then you should take the
				  following precautions:
Let the water run from the tap before using it for drinking
				  or cooking any time the water in a faucet has gone unused for more than six
				  hours. The longer water resides in your home's plumbing the more lead it may
				  contain. Flushing the tap means running the cold water faucet until the water
				  gets noticeably colder, usually about 15-30 seconds. If your house has a lead
				  service line to the water main, you may have to flush the water for a longer
				  time, perhaps one minute, before drinking. Although toilet flushing or
				  showering flushes water through a portion of your home's plumbing system, you
				  still need to flush the water in each faucet before using it for drinking or
				  cooking. Flushing tap water is a simple and inexpensive measure you can take to
				  protect your family's health. It usually uses less than one or two gallons of
				  water and costs less than (insert a cost estimate based on flushing two times a
				  day for 30 days) per month. To conserve water, fill a couple of bottles for
				  drinking water after flushing the tap, and whenever possible use the first
				  flush water to wash the dishes or water the plants. If you live in a high-rise
				  building, letting the water flow before using it may not work to lessen your
				  risk from lead. The plumbing systems have more, and sometimes larger pipes than
				  smaller buildings. Ask your landlord for help in locating the source of the
				  lead and for advice on reducing the lead level.
Try not to cook with or drink water from the hot water tap.
				  Hot water can dissolve more lead more quickly than cold water. If you need hot
				  water, draw water from the cold tap and heat it on the stove.
Remove loose lead solder and debris from the plumbing
				  materials installed in newly constructed homes, or homes in which the plumbing
				  has recently been replaced, by removing the faucet strainers from all taps and
				  running the water from 3 to 5 minutes. Thereafter, periodically remove the
				  strainers and flush out any debris that has accumulated over time.
If your copper pipes are joined with lead solder that has
				  been installed illegally since it was banned in 1986, notify the plumber who
				  did the work and request that he or she replace the lead solder with lead-free
				  solder. Lead solder looks dull gray, and when scratched with a key looks shiny.
				  In addition, notify the Water Supply Branch of ADEM about the violation.
Determine whether or not the service line that connects your
				  home or apartment to the water main is made of lead. The best way to determine
				  if your service line is made of lead is by either hiring a licensed plumber to
				  inspect the line or by contacting the plumbing contractor who installed the
				  line. You may be able to identify the plumbing contractor by checking the
				  record of building permits which should be maintained in the files of the
				  (insert name of department that issues building permits). A licensed plumber
				  can at the same time check to see if your home's plumbing contains lead solder,
				  lead pipes, or pipe fittings that contain lead. The public water system that
				  delivers water to your home should also maintain records of the materials
				  located in the distribution system. If the service line that connects your
				  dwelling to the water main contributes more than 15 ppb to drinking water,
				  after our comprehensive treatment program is in place, we are required to
				  replace the portion of the line we own. If the line is only partially
				  controlled by the (insert name of the city, county, or water system that
				  controls owns the line, we are required to provide you the owner of the
				  privately-owned portion of the line with information on how to replace your the
				  privately-owned portion of the service line, and offer to replace that portion
				  of the line at you're the owner's expense and take a follow-up tap water sample
				  within 14 days of the replacement. If we replace only the portion of the line
				  that we own, we also are required to notify you in advance and provide you with
				  information on the steps you can take to minimize exposure to any temporary
				  increase in lead levels that may result from the partial replacement, to take a
				  follow-up sample at our expense from the line within 72 hours after the partial
				  replacement, and to mail or otherwise provide you with the results of that
				  sample within three business days of receiving the results. Acceptable
				  replacement alternatives include copper, steel, iron, and plastic pipes.
Have an electrician check your wiring. If grounding wires
				  from the electrical system are attached to your pipes, corrosion may be
				  greater. Check with a licensed electrician or your local electrical code to
				  determine if your wiring can be grounded elsewhere. DO NOT attempt to change
				  the wiring yourself because improper grounding can cause electrical shock and
				  fire hazards.
The steps described above will reduce the lead concentrations
				  in your drinking water. However, if a water test indicates that the drinking
				  water coming from your tap contains lead concentrations in excess of 15 ppb
				  after flushing, or after we have completed our actions to minimize lead levels,
				  then you may want to take the following additional measures:
Purchase or lease a home treatment device. Home treatment
				  devices are limited in that each unit treats only the water that flows from the
				  faucet to which it is connected, and all of the devices require periodic
				  maintenance and replacement. Devices such as reverse osmosis systems or
				  distillers can effectively remove lead from your drinking water. Some activated
				  carbon filters may reduce lead levels at the tap, however all lead reduction
				  claims should be investigated. Be sure to check the actual performance of a
				  specific home treatment device before and after installing the unit.
Purchase bottled water for drinking and cooking.
You can consult a variety of sources for additional
				  information. Your family doctor or pediatrician can perform a blood test for
				  lead and provide you with information about the health effects of lead. State
				  and local government agencies that can be contacted include:
(insert the name of city or county department of public
				  utilities) at (insert phone number) can provide you with information about your
				  community's water supply, and a list of local laboratories that have been
				  certified by ADEM for testing water quality;
(insert the name of city or county department that issues
				  building permits) at (insert phone number) can provide you with information
				  about building permit records that should contain the names of plumbing
				  contractors that plumbed your home; and
(insert the name of the State Department of Public Health) at
				  (insert phone number) or the (insert the name of the city or county health
				  department) at (insert phone number) can provide you with information about the
				  health effects of lead and how you can have your child's blood tested.
The following is a list of some State approved laboratories
				  in your area that you can call to have your water tested for lead. (Insert
				  names and phone numbers of at least two laboratories).
(98)
Lead Public Education for NTNC Water
				  Systems.
The following information must be provided as required by this
				  chapter: The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and (insert
				  name of water supplier) are concerned about lead in your drinking water. Some
				  drinking water samples taken from this facility have lead levels above the EPA
				  action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb), or 0.015 milligrams of lead per
				  liter of water (mg/L). Under Federal law we are required to have a program in
				  place to minimize lead in your drinking water by (insert date when corrosion
				  control will be completed for your system). This program includes corrosion
				  control treatment, source water treatment, and public education. We are also
				  required to replace each lead service line that we control if the line
				  contributes lead concentrations of more than 15 ppb after we have completed the
				  comprehensive treatment program. If you have any questions about how we are
				  carrying out the requirements of the lead regulation please give us a call at
				  (insert water system's phone number). This brochure explains the simple steps
				  you can take to protect you and your family by reducing your exposure to lead
				  in drinking water.
Health effects of lead. Lead is a common metal found
				  throughout the environment in lead-based paint, air, soil, household dust,
				  food, certain types of pottery, porcelain and pewter, and water. Lead can pose
				  a significant risk to your health if too much of it enters your body. Lead
				  builds up in the body over many years and can cause damage to the brain, red
				  blood cells and kidneys. The greatest risk is to young children and pregnant
				  women. Amounts of lead that will not hurt adults can slow down normal mental
				  and physical development of growing bodies. In addition, a child at play often
				  comes into contact with sources of lead contamination such as dirt and dust
				  that rarely affect an adult. It is important to wash children's hands and toys
				  often, and to try to make sure they only put food in their mouths.
Lead in Drinking Water. Lead in drinking water, although
				  rarely the sole cause of lead poisoning, can significantly increase a person's
				  total lead exposure, particularly the exposure of infants who drink baby
				  formulas and concentrated juices that are mixed with water. The EPA estimates
				  that drinking water can make up 20 per cent or more of a person's total
				  exposure to lead.
Lead is unusual among drinking water contaminants in that it
				  seldom occurs naturally in water supplies like rivers and lakes.
Lead enters drinking water primarily as a result of the
				  corrosion, or wearing away, of materials containing lead in the water
				  distribution system and household plumbing. These materials include lead-based
				  solder used to join copper pipe, brass and chrome plated brass faucets, and in
				  some cases, pipe made of lead that connect your house to the water main
				  (service lines). In 1986, Congress banned the use of lead solder containing
				  greater than 0.2% lead, and restricted the lead content of faucets, pipes and
				  other plumbing materials to 8.0%. When water stands in lead pipes or plumbing
				  systems containing lead for several hours or more, the lead may dissolve into
				  your drinking water. This means the first water drawn from the tap in the
				  morning, or later in the afternoon if the water has not been used at all, can
				  contain fairly high levels of lead.
Steps You Can Take To Reduce Exposure To Lead in Drinking
				  Water:
Let the water run from the tap before using it for
				  drinking or cooking any time the water in a faucet has gone unused for more
				  than six hours. The longer water resides in the plumbing the more lead it may
				  contain. Flushing the tap means running the cold water faucet until the water
				  gets noticeably colder, usually about 15-30 seconds. Although toilet flushing
				  or showering flushes water through a portion of your home's plumbing system,
				  you still need to flush the water in each faucet before using it for drinking
				  or cooking. Flushing tap water is a simple and inexpensive measure you can take
				  to protect your health. It usually uses less than one gallon of
				  water.
Try not to cook with or drink water from the hot water tap.
				  Hot water can dissolve more lead more quickly than cold water. If you need hot
				  water, draw water from the cold tap and heat it on the stove.
The steps described above will reduce the lead concentrations
				  in your drinking water. However, if you are still concerned, you may want to
				  use bottled water for drinking and cooking.
You can consult a variety of sources for additional
				  information. Your family doctor or pediatrician can perform a blood test for
				  lead and provide you with information about the health effects of lead. State
				  and local government agencies that can be contacted include:
(insert the name or title of the appropriate facility
				  official) at (insert phone number) can provide you with information about your
				  facility's water supply, and; home; and
(insert the name of the State Department of Public Health) at
				  (insert phone number) or the (insert the name of the city or county health
				  department) at (insert phone number) can provide you with information about the
				  health effects of lead and how you can have your child's blood tested.
(99)
Cryptosporidium
Monitoring
				  Violation
We are required to monitor the source of your drinking water
				  for
Cryptosporidium
. Results of the monitoring are to be used
				  to determine whether water treatment at the (treatment plant name) is
				  sufficient to adequately remove
Cryptosporidium
from your
				  drinking water. We are required to complete this monitoring and make this
				  determination by (required bin determination date). We "did not monitor or
				  test" or "did not complete all monitoring or testing" on schedule and,
				  therefore, we may not be able to determine by the required date what treatment
				  modifications, if any, must be made to ensure adequate
Cryptosporidium
removal. Missing this deadline may, in turn,
				  jeopardize our ability to have the required treatment modifications, if any,
				  completed by the deadline required, (date). For more information, please call
				  (name of water system contact) of (name of water system) at (phone
				  number).
(100)
Failure to determine
Cryptosporidium
bin classification
We are required to
				  monitor the source of your drinking water for
Cryptosporidium
in order to determine by (date) whether water treatment at the (treatment plant
				  name) is sufficient to adequately remove
Cryptosporidium
from
				  your drinking water. We have not made this determination by the required date.
				  Our failure to do this may jeopardize our ability to have the required
				  treatment modifications, if any, completed by the required deadline of (date).
				  For more information, please call (name of water system contact) of (name of
				  water system) at (phone number).
Appendix A, Required Language, was repealed and Appendix D,
					 Required Language, was adopted replacing Appendix A per certification Filed
					 February 6, 2002. Appendix D was renamed Appendix C and Appendix C was repealed
					 as per certification filed December 18, 2007; effective January 22,
					 2008.
Author:
Department of Environmental
					 Management
Statutory Authority:
Code of Ala.
					 1975
, §§
											22-23-33,
					 22-22A-5,
					 22-22A-6.