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