Hawaii Administrative Rules
Title 11 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Subtitle 1 - GENERAL DEPARTMENTAL PROVISIONS
Chapter 20 - RULES RELATING TO PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS
Appendix A - STANDARD HEALTH EFFECTS LANGUAGE FOR PUBLIC NOTIFICATION (FEBRUARY 13, 2013)

Contaminant

MCLG1 mg/L

MCL2 mg/L

Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification

National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR)

A. Microbiological Contaminants

1a. Total Coliform [DAGGER]

Zero

See footnote3

Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially-harmful, bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems.

1b. Fecal Coliform/ E.coli [DAGGER]

Zero

Zero

Fecal coliforms and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be 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

1c. Fecal indicator (GWR)

Zero

TT

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.

i. E. coli

None

TT

1d. Ground Water Rule (GWR) TT violations

None

TT

Inadequately treated or inadequately protected water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, cramps, and associated headaches.

1e. Subpart Y Coliform Assessment and/or Corrective Action Violations [DOUBLE DAGGER]

N/A

TT

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 APPICABLE SENTENCES.)

We failed to conduct the required assessment.

We failed to correct all identified sanitary defects that were found during the assessment(s).

If. Subpart Y E. coli Assessment and/or Corrective Actions Violations [DOUBLE DAGGER]

N/A

TT

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.

Ig. E. coli [DOUBLE DAGGER]

Zero

In compliance unless one of the following conditions occurs:

(1) The system has an E.coli-positive repeat sample following a total coliform-positive routine sample.

(2) The system has a total coliform-positive repeat sample following an E. coli-positive routine sample.

(3) The system fails to take all require repeat samples following an E. coli-positive routine sample.

(4) The system fails to test for E. coli when any repeat sample tests positive for total coliform.

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.

2a. Turbidity (MCL) 4

None

1 NTU5/5 NTU

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.

2b. Turbidity (SWTR TT)6

None

TT7

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.

2c. Turbidity (lESWTR TT and LTlESWTR) 8

None

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.

B. Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR), Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (lESWTR) and Filter Backwash Recycling Rule (FBRR) violations

3, Giardia Lamblia

(SWTR/IESWTR/LTIESWTR)

Zero

TT10

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.

4. Viruses

(SWTR/IESWTR/LTIESWTR)

5. Heterotrophic plate count (HPC) bacteria9

(SWTR/IESWTR/LTIESWTR)

6. Legionella

(SWTR/IESWTR/LTIESWTR)

7. Cryptosporidium

(lESWTR/FBRR/LTlESWTR)

C. Inorganic Chemicals (lOCs)

8. Antimony

0.006

0.006

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.

9. Arsenical

None

0.010

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.

10. Asbestos (10[PHI]m)

7 MFL12

7 MFL

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.

11. Barium

2

2

Some people who drink water containing barium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience an increase in their blood pressure.

12. Beryllium

0.004

0.004

Some people who drink water containing beryllium well in excess of the MCL over many years could develop intestinal lesions.

13. Cadmium

0.005

0.005

Some people who drink water containing cadmium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience kidney damage.

14. Chromium (total)

0.1

0.1

Some people who use water containing chromium well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience allergic dermatitis.

15. Cyanide

0.2

0.2

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.

16. Fluoride

4.0

4.0

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.

17. Mercury (inorganic)

0.002

0.002

Some people who drink water containing inorganic mercury well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience kidney damage.

18. Nitrate

10

10

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.

19. Nitrite

1

1

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.

20. Total Nitrate and Nitrite

10

10

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.

21. Selenium

0.05

0.05

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.

22. Thallium

0.0005

0.002

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.

D. Lead and Copper Rule

23. Lead

Zero

TT13

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.

24. Copper

1.3

TT14

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.

E. Synthetic Organic Chemicals (SOCs)

25. 2,4-D

0.07

0.07

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.

26. 2,4,5-TP (Silvex)

0.05

0.05

Some people who drink water containing silvex in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver problems.

27. Alachlor

Zero

0.002

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.

28. Atrazine

0.003

0.003

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.

29. Benzo(a)pyrene (PAHs)

Zero

0.0002

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.

30. Carbofuran

0.04

0.04

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.

31. Chlordane

Zero

0.002

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.

32. Dalapon

0.2

0.2

Some people who drink water containing dalapon well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience minor kidney changes.

33. Di (2-ethylhexyl) adipate

0.4

0.4

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.

34. Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate

Zero

0.006

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.

35. Dibromochloropropane (DBCP)

Zero

0.00004

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.

36. Dinoseb

0.007

0.007

Some people who drink water containing dinoseb well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience reproductive difficulties.

37. Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD)

Zero

3 X 10-8

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.

38. Diquat

0.02

0.02

Some people who drink water containing diquat in excess of the MCL over many years could get cataracts.

39. Endothall

0.1

0.1

Some people who drink water containing endothall in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their stomach or intestines.

40. Endrin

0.002

0.002

Some people who drink water containing endrin in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver problems.

41. Ethylene dibromide

Zero

0.00004

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.

42. Glyphosate

0.7

0.7

Some people who drink water containing glyphosate in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys or reproductive difficulties.

43. Heptachlor

Zero

0.0004

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.

44. Heptachlor epoxide

Zero

0.0002

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.

45. Hexachlorobenzene

Zero

0.001

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.

46. Hexachlorocyclo -pentadiene

0.05

0.05

Some people who drink water containing hexachlorocyclo-pentadiene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys or stomach.

47. Lindane

0.0002

0.0002

Some people who drink water containing lindane in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys or liver.

48. Methoxychlor

0.04

0-04

Some people who drink water containing methoxychlor in excess of the MCL over many years could experience reproductive difficulties.

49. Oxamyl (Vydate)

0.2

0.2

Some people who drink water containing oxamyl in excess of the MCL over many years could experience slight nervous system effects.

50. Pentachlorophenol

Zero

0,001

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.

51. Picloram

0.5

0.5

Some people who drink water containing picloram in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver.

52. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

Zero

0.0005

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.

53. Simazine

0.004

0.004

Some people who drink water containing simazine in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their blood.

54. Toxaphene

Zero

0.003

Some people who drink water containing toxaphene in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their kidneys, liver, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

55. 1,2,3-Trichloro propane

0.0006

Some people who drink water containing TCP in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their nervous system, respiratory system, reproductive system, liver and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

F. Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs)

56. Benzene

Zero

0.005

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.

57. Carbon tetrachloride

Zero

0.005

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.

58. Chlorobenzene (monochloro-benzene)

0.1

0.1

Some people who drink water containing Chlorobenzene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or kidneys.

59. o-Dichlorobenzene

0.6

0.6

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.

60. p-Dichlorobenzene

0.075

0.075

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.

61. 1,2-Dichloroethane

Zero

0.005

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.

62. 1,1-Dichloro ethylene

0.007

0.007

Some people who drink water containing 1-1 1,1-dichloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver.

63. cis-1,2-Dichloro ethylene

0.07

0.07

Some people who drink water containing cis-1,2-dichloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver.

64. trans-1,2-Dichloro ethylene

0.1

0.1

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.

65. Dichloromethane

Zero

0.005

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.

66. 1,2-Dichloro propane

Zero

0.005

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.

67. Ethylbenzene

0.7

0.7

Some people who drink water containing ethylbenzene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or kidneys.

68. Styrene

0.1

0.1

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.

69. Tetrachloro ethylene

Zero

0.005

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.

70. Toluene

1

1

Some people who drink water containing toluene in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their nervous system, kidneys or liver.

71. 1,2,4-Trichloro benzene

0.07

0.07

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 *

72. 1,1,1-Trichloro ethane

0.2

0.2

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.

73. 1,1,2-Trichloro ethane

0.003

0.005

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.

74. Trichloroethylene

Zero

0,005

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.

75. Vinyl chloride

Zero

0.002

Some people who drink water containing vinyl chloride in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

76. Xylenes (total)

10

10

Some people who drink water containing xylenes in excess of the MCL over many years could experience damage to their nervous system.

G. Radioactive Contaminants

77. Beta/photon emitters

Zero

4 mrem/yr15

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.

78. Alpha emitters

Zero

15 pCi/L16

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.

79. Combined radium (226 & 228)

Zero

5 pCi/L

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.

80. Uranium17

Zero

30 µg/L

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.

H. Disinfection Byproducts (DBFs), Byproduct Precursors, and Disifectant Residuals:

Where disinfection is used in the treatment of drinking water, disinfectants combine with organic and inorganic matter present in water to form chemicals called disinfection byproducts (DBPs). EPA sets standards for controlling the levels of disinfectants and DBPs in drinking water, including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs)18

81. Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

N/A

0.08019, 20

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.

82. Haloacetic Acids (HAA)

N/A

0.06021

Some people who drink water containing haloacetic acids in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

83. Bromate

Zero

0.010

Some people who drink water containing bromate in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

84. Chlorite

0.08

1.0

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.

85. Chlorine

4 (MRDLG)22

4.0 (MRDL)23

Some people who use 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.

86. Chloramines

4 (MRDLG)

4.0 (MRDL)

Some people who use 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.

67a. Chlorine dioxide, where any 2 consecutive daily samples taken at the entrance to the distribution system are above the MRDL.

0.8 (MRDLG)

0.8 (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.

87b. Chlorine dioxide, where one or more distribution system samples are above the MRDL.

0.8 (MRDLG)

0.8 (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

88. Control of DBP precursors (TOC)

None

TT

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 (HAA5). 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.

I. Other Treatment Techniques

89. Acrylamide

Zero

TT

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.

90. Epichlorohydrin

Zero

TT

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.