Coliform (TCR)
Description
Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, bacteria may be present. Coliforms found in more samples than allowed is a warning of potential problems.
Health Effects
Not a health threat in itself; it is used to indicate whether other potentially harmful bacteria may be present5
TTHM
Description
Trihalomethanes occur when naturally-occurring organic and inorganic materials in the water react with the disinfectants, chlorine and chloramine.
Health Effects
Liver, kidney or central nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Description
Haloacetic acids occur when naturally-occurring organic and inorganic materials in the water react with the disinfectants, chlorine and chloramine.
Health Effects
Increased risk of cancer
Arsenic
Description
Arsenic is a semi-metal element in the periodic table. It is odorless and tasteless. It enters drinking water supplies from natural deposits in the earth or from agricultural and industrial practices. Approximately 90 percent of industrial arsenic in the U.S. is currently used as a wood preservative, but arsenic is also used in paints, dyes, metals, drugs, soaps, and semi-conductors. Agricultural applications, mining, and smelting also contribute to arsenic releases in the environment.
Health Effects
Skin damage or problems with circulatory systems, and may have increased risk of getting cancer
Nitrate
Description
Nitrates and nitrites are nitrogen-oxygen chemical units which combine with various organic and inorganic compounds. The greatest use of nitrates is as a fertilizer. Once taken into the body, nitrates are converted to nitrites.
Health Effects
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.
Benzene
Description
Benzene, a volatile organic chemical, is a clear, colorless aromatic liquid. It is highly flammable. It is formed through natural processes, such as volcanoes and forest fires. It is also formed from industrial processes. Benzene is also a natural part of crude oil, gasoline and cigarette smoke. The greatest use of benzene is as a building block for making plastics, rubber, resins and synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester. Other uses include: as a solvent in printing, paints, dry cleaning, etc.
Health Effects
Anemia; decrease in blood platelets; increased risk of cancer
Fluoride
Description
Fluoride compounds are salts that form when the element, fluorine, combines with minerals in soil or rocks. Many communities add fluoride to their drinking water to promote dental health.
Health Effects
Bone disease (pain and tenderness of the bones); Children may get mottled teeth
Thallium, Total
Description
Thallium is a metal found in natural deposits such as ores containing other elements. The greatest use of thallium is in specialized electronic research equipment.
Health Effects
Hair loss; changes in blood; kidney, intestine, or liver problems
Chlorine
Description
The gaseous or liquid form of chlorine (CL2) is a water additive used by municipal water systems to control microbes. It is relatively inexpensive and has the lowest production and operating costs and longest history for large continuous disinfection operations. Chlorine is a powerful oxidant.
Health Effects
Eye/nose irritation; stomach discomfort
Chlorite
Description
Chlorite occurs when chlorine dioxide breaks down.
Health Effects
Anemia; infants & young children: nervous system effects
Asbestos
Description
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral occurring in natural deposits. Because asbestos fibers are resistant to heat and most chemicals, they have been mined for use in more than 3,000 products, including roofing materials, brake pads, and cement pipe often used in distributing water to communities.
Health Effects
Increased risk of developing benign intestinal polyps