Nebraska Administrative Code
Topic - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SYSTEM
Title 179 - PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS
Chapter 4 - PUBLIC NOTIFICATION OF DRINKING WATER VIOLATIONS
Appendix B - STANDARD HEALTH EFFECTS LANGUAGE FOR PUBLIC NOTIFICATION DRINKING WATER STANDARDS

Contaminant

MCLG1 mg/L

MCL2 mg/L

Standard health effects language for public notification

1a. Total coliform*

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*

Zero

Zero

Fecal coliforms and E. oli 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 indicators

(GWR) :

i. E. coli

ii. enterococci

iii. coliphage

Zero

None

None

TT

TT

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.

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.179 NAC 26 Coliform

Assessment and/or Corrective Action Violations**

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 APPLICABLE SENTENCES.]

We failed to conduct the required assessment.

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

1f. 179 NAC 26 E. oli Assessment and/or Corrective Action Violations**

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. oli, 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.

1g. E. oli**

Zero

In compliance unless one of the following conditions occurs:

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

(2) The system has a total coliform-positive repeat sample

following an E. oli-positive routine sample.

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

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

E. oli 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, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.

1h. 179 NAC 26 Seasonal System TT Violations**

N/A

TT

When this violation includes the failure to monitor for total coliforms or E. oli prior to

serving water to the public, the mandatory language found at 4-007.04 item 2 must be used.

When this violation includes failure to complete other actions, the appropriate elements found in 4-007.01 to describe the violation must be used.

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 (IESWTR TT and LT1ESWTR TT)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.

Contaminant

MCLG1

mg/L

MCL2 mg/L

Standard health effects language for public notification

3. Giardia lamblia (SWTR/IESWTR/LT1ESWTR).

4. Viruses (SWTR/IESWTR/LT1ESWTR).

5. Heterotrophic plate count (HPC) bacteria9 (SWTR/IESWTR/LT1ESWTR).

6. Legionella (SWTR/IESWTR/LT1ESWTR).

7. Cryptosporidium (IESWTR/FBRR/LT1ESWTR).

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.

Contaminant

MCLG1

mg/L

MCL2

mg/L

Standard health effects language for public notification

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 Arsenic (Effective January 23, 2006)

0

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 µm)

7 MFL11

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.

Contaminant

MCLG1mg/L

MCL2 mg/L

Standard health effects language for public notification

23. Lead

Zero

TT12

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

TT13

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.

Contaminant

MCLG1

mg/L

MCL2 mg/L

Standard health effects language for public notification

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 toxic effects such as weight loss, liver enlargement or reproductive difficulties.

34. Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate

Zero

0.006

Some people who drink water containing di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate well 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

0.0002

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

3x10-8

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

0.00005

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 hexachlorocyclopentadiene 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, or thyroid, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Contaminant

MCLG1

mg/L

MCL2

mg/L

Standard health effects language for public notification

55. 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.

56. 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.

57. Chlorobenzene (monochlorobenzene)

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.

58. 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.

59. 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.

60. 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.

61. 1,1-Dichloroethylene

0.007

0.007

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

62. cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene

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.

63. trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene

0.1

0.1

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

64. 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.

65. 1,2-Dichloropropane

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.

66. 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.

67. 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.

68. Tetrachloroethylene

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.

69. Toluene

1

1

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

70. 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene

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.

71. 1,1,1-Trichloroethane

0.2

0.2

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

72. 1,1,2-Trichloroethane

0.003

0.005

Some people who drink water containing 1,1,2-trichlorethane well in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their liver, kidneys, or immune systems.

73. 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.

74. 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.

75. 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.

Contaminant

MCLG1

mg/L

MCL2

mg/L

Standard health effects language for public notification

76. Beta/photon emitters

Zero

4 mrem/yr14

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.

77. Alpha emitters

Zero

15 pCi/L15

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.

78. 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.

79. Uranium16

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.

Contaminant

MCLG1

mg/L

MCL2

mg/L

Standard health effects language for public notification

80. Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

N/A

0.08018,19

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.

81. Haloacetic Acids (HAA)

N/A

0.06020

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

82. 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.

83. 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.

84. Chlorine

4

(MRDLG)21

4.0 (MRDL) 22

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.

85. 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.

86a. Chlorine dioxide, where any two 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 that delivers water to consumers. Continued compliance with chlorine dioxide levels within the distribution system minimizes the potential risk of these violations to consumers.

86b. 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 Department of Health and Human Services standard within the distribution system that 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.

87. 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 (HAAs). 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.

88. 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.

89. 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.