Contaminant

Major Sources in Drinking Water

Total Coliform Bacteria

Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment

Used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, bacteria may be present

Fecal Coliform Bacteria

Fecal coliforms and E. coli are bacterian whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes.

Short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms

Turbidity

Soil run-off

Turbidity has no health effects. However, may indicate the presence of diseace-causing organisms.

Arsenic

Erosion of natural deposits; run-off from glass and electronic production wastes

Skin damage; circulatory system problems; potential risk to cancer

Barium

Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits

Increased blood pressure

Cadmium

Corrosion of galvanized pipes; erosion of natural deposits; run-off from battery and paint wastes

Kidney damage

Chromium

Discharge from steel and pulp mills; erosion of natural deposits

Allergic Dermatitis

Copper

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives

Essential nutrient, but excessive quantities can cause gastrointestinal distress, liver damage, kidney damage

Fluoride

Erosion of natural deposits; water additive that promotes healthy teeth;discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories

Bone Disease, mottled teeth

Lead

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits

Infants/Children: Physical and mental impairments; Adults: Kidney problems, or elevated blood pressure

Mercury

Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from refineries and factories; runoff from landfills

Kidney damage

Nitrate

Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tank, sewage; erosion from natural deposits

Blue-baby syndrome, shortness of breath

Selenium

Discharge from petroleum and metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from mines

Essential nutrient, but excessive quantities can cause hair or fingernail losses, numbness in fingers or toes, circulation problems