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Regulated Contaminants with PRIMARY DRINKING WATER STANDARDS Contaminant Typical Source of Contaminant Health Effects Language' Microbiological Contaminants Total Coliform BacteriaNaturally present in the environment Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator (state Total Coliform Rule) that other,potentially-harmful,bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems. Fecal coliform and E. coli Human and animal fecal waste Fecal coliforms and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be (state Total Coliform Rule) contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term 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. Radioactive Contaminants Gross Alpha Particle Activity Erosion of natural deposits 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. Inorganic Contaminants Arsenic Erosion of natural deposits;runoff from Some people who drink water containing arsenic in excess of the MCL over many years may orchards;glass and electronics production experience skin damage or circulatory system problems,and may have an increased risk of wastes getting cancer. Copper Internal corrosion of household plumbing Copper is an essential nutrient,but some people who drink water containing copper in excess of systems;erosion of natural deposits;leaching the action level over a relatively short amount of time may experience gastrointestinal distress. from wood preservatives Some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over many years may suffer liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson's Disease should consult their personal doctor. Fluoride Erosion of natural deposits;water additive Some people who drink water containing fluoride in excess of the federal MCL of 4 mg/L over which promotes strong teeth;discharge from many years may get bone disease,including pain and tenderness of the bones. Children who fertilizer and aluminum factories drink water containing fluoride in excess of the state MCL of 2 mg/L may get mottled teeth. Nitrate (as nitrogen,N) Runoff and leaching from fertilizer use; Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL leaching from septic tanks and sewage; erosion may quickly become seriously ill and,if untreated,may die because high nitrate levels can of natural deposits interfere with the capacity of the infant's blood to carry oxygen. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blueness of the skin. High nitrate levels may also affect the oxygen-carrying ability of the blood of pregnant women. Nitrite(as nitrogen,N) Runoff and leaching from fertilizer use; Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrite in excess of the MCL leaching from septic tanks and sewage;erosion may quickly become seriously ill and,if untreated,may die. Symptoms include shortness of of natural deposits breath and blueness of the skin. Title 22 Health Effects page 1 of 2