South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-58.12 - Consumer Confidence Reports
Appendix 61-58.12.D - CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORTS: REGULATED CONTAMINANTS

Contaminant (units)

Traditional MCL in mg/L

To convert for CCR, multiply by

MCL in CCR units

MCLG

Major sources in drinking water

Health effects language

Microbiological contaminants:

Total Coliform Bacteria[Dagger]

MCL: (systems that collect >= 40 samples/month) 5% of monthly samples are positive; (systems that collect <40 samples/month) 1 positive monthly sample.

MCL: (systems that collect >= 40 samples/mont h) 5% of monthly samples are positive; (systems that collect <40 samples/mont h) 1 positive monthly sample.

0

Naturally present in the environment

Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the 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.

Total Coliform Bacteria[Double Dagger]

TT

N/A

Naturally present in the environment

Use language in R.51-58.12. C(11)(g)(i)(A)

Fecal coliform and E. coli[Dagger]

0

0

0

Human and animal fecal waste

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.

E. coli[Double Dagger]

Routine and repeat samples are total coliform-positive and either is E. coli-positive or system fails to take repeat samples following E. coli-positive routine sample or system fails to analyze total coliform-positive repeat sample for E. coli

Routine and repeat samples are total coliform-positive and either is E. coli-positive or system fails to take repeat samples following E. coli-positive routine sample or system fails to analyze total coliform-positive repeat sample for E. coli

0

Human and animal fecal waste

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.

Fecal Indicators (enterococci or coliphage).

TT

TT

N/A

Human and animal fecal waste.

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.

Total organic carbon (ppm)

TT

TT

N/A

Naturally present

Total organic carbon (TOC) has no health effects. However, total organic carbon in the environment provides a medium for the formation of disinfection by-products. These byproducts include trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). Drinking water containing these by-products 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.

Turbidity (NTU)

TT

TT

N/A

Soil runoff

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.

Radioactive contaminants:

Beta/photon emitters (mrem/yr)

4 mrem/yr

4

N/A

Decay of natural and man-made deposits.

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 in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Alpha emitters (pCi/L)

15 pCi/L

15

N/A

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.

Combined radium (pCi/L)

5 pCi/L

5

N/A

Erosion of natural deposits.

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.

Uranium (pCi/L)

30 µg/L

30

0

Erosion of natural deposits.

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

Inorganic contaminants:

Antimony (ppb)

.006

1000

6

6

Discharge from petroleum refineries; fire retardants; ceramics; electronics; solder.

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.

Arsenic (ppb)

10.010

1000

110.

10

Erosion of natural deposits; Runoff from orchards; Runoff from glass and electronics production wastes.

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.

Asbestos (MFL)

7 MFL

7

7

Decay of asbestos cement water mains; production wastes; erosion of natural deposits.

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.

Barium (ppm)

2

2

2

Discharge of drilling; wastes; Discharge from metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits.

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

Beryllium (ppb)

.004

1000

4

4

Discharge from metal refineries and coal-burning factories;

Discharge from electrical, aerospace, and defense industries

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

Bromate (ppb)

.010

1000

10

0

By-product of drinking water chlorination.

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

Cadmium (ppb)

.005

1000

5

5

Corrosion of galvanized pipes; Erosion of natural deposits;

Discharge from metal refineries; Runoff from waste batteries and paints.

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

Chloramines (ppm)

MRDL = 4

MRDL = 4

MRDLG = 4

Water additive used to control microbes.

Some people who use water containing chloramines well in excess of the MRDL could experience irritating to their eyes and nose. Some people who drink water containing chloramines well in excess of the MRDL could experience stomach discomfort or anemia.

Chlorine (ppm)

MRDL = 4

MRDL = 4

MRDLG = 4

Water additive used to control microbes

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.

Chlorine dioxide (ppb)

MRDL = .8

1000

MRDL = 800

MRDLG = 800

Water additive used to control microbes

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.

Chlorite (ppm)

1

1

0.8

By-product of drinking water chlorination.

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.

Chromium (ppb)

.1

1000

100

100

Discharge from steel and pulp; mills; Erosion of Natural deposits.

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

Copper (ppm)

AL=1.3

AL=1.3

1.3

Corrosion of household plumbing. Erosion of natural deposits.

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.

Cyanide (ppb)

2

1000

200

200

Discharge from steel/metal factories;

Discharge from plastic and fertilizer factories.

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.

Fluoride (ppm)

4

4

4

Erosion of natural deposits; Water additive which promotes strong teeth Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories

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.

Lead

AL=.015

1000

AL=15

0

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits

Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems.

Mercury [inorganic] (ppb)

.002

1000

2

2

Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from refineries and factories; Runoff from landfills; Runoff from cropland.

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

Nitrate (ppm)

10

10

10

Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits.

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.

Nitrite (ppm)

1

1

1

Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks sewage; Erosion of natural deposits

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.

Selenium (ppb)

.05

1000

50

50

Discharge from petroleum and metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits; Discharge from mines.

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

Thallium (ppb)

.002

1000

2

0.5

Leaching from ore-processing sites; Discharge from electronics, glass, and drug factories.

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.

Synthetic organic contaminants including pesticides and herbicides:

2,4-D (ppb)

.07

1000

70

70

Runoff from herbicide used on row crops.

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.

2,4,5-TP [Silvex](ppb)

.05

1000

50

50

Residue of banned herbicide

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

Acrylamide

TT

TT

0

Added to water during sewage/ wastewater treatment.

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 risk of getting cancer.

Alachlor (ppb)

.002

1000

2

0

Runoff from herbicide used on row crops.

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.

Atrazine (ppb)

.003

1000

3

3

Runoff from herbicide used on row crops.

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.

Benzo(a)pyrene [PAH] (nanograms/l).

.0002

1,000,000

200

0

Leaching from linings of water storage tanks distribution lines.

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.

Carbofuran (ppb)

.04

1000

40

40

Leaching of soil fumigant used on rice and alfalfa.

Some people who drink carbofuran in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their blood, or nervous or reproductive systems.

Chlordane (ppb)

.002

1000

2

0

Residue of banned termiticide

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.

Dalapon (ppb)

.2

1000

200

200

Runoff from herbicide used on rights of way.

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

Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (ppb).

.4

1000

400

400

Discharge from chemical factories.

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 possible reproductive difficulties.

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (ppb).

.006

1000

6

0

Discharge from rubber and chemical factories.

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.

Dibromochloropropane (ppt)

.0002

1,000,000

200

0

Runoff/leaching from soil fumigant used on soybeans, cotton, pineapples, and orchards.

Some people who drink water containing DBCP in excess of the MCL over many years could experience reproductive problems and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Dinoseb (ppb)

.007

1000

7

7

Runoff from herbicide used on soybeans and vegetables.

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

Diquat (ppb)

.02

1000

20

20

Runoff from herbicide use.

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

Dioxin [2,3,7,8-TCDD] (ppq).

.00000003

1,000,000,000

30

0

Emissions from waste incineration and other combustion; Discharge from chemical factories.

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.

Endothall (ppb)

.1

1000

100

100

Runoff from herbicide use.

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

Endrin (ppb)

.002

1000

2

2

Residue of banned insecticide.

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

Epichlorohydrin.

TT

TT

0

Discharge from industrial chemical factories; An impurity of some water treatment chemicals.

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.

Ethylene dibromide (ppt)

.00005

1,000,000

50

0

Discharge from petroleum refineries.

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.

Glyphosate (ppb)

.7

1000

700

700

Runoff from herbicide use

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

Heptachlor (ppt)

.0004

1,000,000

400

0

Residue of banned pesticide.

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.

Heptachlor epoxide (ppt)

.0002

1,000,000

200

0

Breakdown of heptachlor.

Some people who drink water containing heptachlor epoxidein excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver damage, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Hexachlorobenzene (ppb)

.001

1000

1

0

Discharge from metal refineries and agricultural chemical factories.

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

Hexachlorocyclopentadiene (ppb)

.05

1000

50

50

Discharge from chemical factories

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

Lindane (ppt)

.0002

1,000,000

200

200

Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cattle, lumber, gardens.

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

Methoxychlor (ppb)

.04

1000

40

40

Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on fruits, vegetables, alfalfa, livestock.

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

Oxamyl [Vydate] (ppb)

.2

1000

200

200

Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on apples potatoes and tomatoes.

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

PCBs [Polychlorinated biphenyls] (ppt).

.0005

1,000,000

500

0

Runoff from landfills Discharge of waste chemicals

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.

Pentachlorophenol (ppb)

.001

1000

1

0

Discharge from wood preserving factories

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

Picloram (ppb)

.5

1000

500

500

Herbicide runoff

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

Simazine (ppb)

.004

1000

4

4

Herbicide runoff

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

Toxaphene (ppb)

.003

1000

3

0

Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cotton and cattle.

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

Volatile organic contaminants:

Benzene (ppb)

.005

1000

5

0

Discharge from factories; Leaching from gas storage tanks and landfills.

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.

Carbon tetrachloride (ppb)

.005

1000

5

0

Discharge from chemical plants and other industrial activities.

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

Chlorobenzene (ppb)

.1

1000

100

100

Discharge from chemical and agricultural chemical factories

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

o-Dichlorobenzene (ppb)

.6

1000

600

600

Discharge from industrial chemical

Some people who drink water containing o-dichlorobenzene well in excess of the MCL over liver, kidneys, or circulatory systems.

p-Dichlorobenzene (ppb)

.075

1000

75

75

Discharge from industrial chemical factories

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.

1,2-Dichloroethane (ppb)

.005

1000

5

0

Discharge from industrial chemical factories.

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

1,1-Dichloroethylene (ppb)

.007

1000

7

7

Discharge from industrial chemical factories.

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

cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene (ppb)

.07

1000

70

70

Discharge from industrial chemical factories.

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

trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene (ppb).

.1

1000

100

10

Discharge from industrial chemical factories.

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

Dichloromethane (ppb)

.005

1000

5

0

Discharge from pharmaceutical and chemical factories

Some people who drink water containing dichloromethane in excess of the MCL over many years could have liver problems and may have an increase risk of getting cancer.

1,2-Dichloropropane (ppb)

.005

1000

5

0

Discharge from industrial chemical factories.

Some people who drink water containing 1,2-Dichloropropane excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Ethylbenzene (ppb)

.7

1000

700

700

Discharge from petroleum refineries.

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

Haloacetic Acids (HAA) (ppb).

.060

1000

60

N/A

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

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

Styrene (ppb)

.1

1000

100

100

Discharge from rubber and plastic factories and leaching from landfills.

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.

Tetrachloroethylene (ppb)

.005

1000

5

0

Discharge from factories and dry cleaners.

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.

1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene (ppb)

.07

1000

70

70

Discharge from textile-finishing factories.

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.

1,1,1-Trichloroethane (ppb)

.2

1000

200

200

Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories.

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.

1,1,2-Trichloroethane (ppb).

.005

1000

5

3

Discharge from industrial chemical factories.

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.

Trichloroethylene (ppb)

.005

1000

5

0

Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories

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.

TTHMs [Total trihalomethanes] (ppb)

0.10/.080

1000

100/80

N/A

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

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 systems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Toluene (ppm)

1

1

1

Discharge from petroleum factories.

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.

Vinyl Chloride (ppb)

.002

1000

2

0

Leaching from PVC piping; Discharge from from plastics factories.

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

Xylenes (ppm)

10

10

10

Discharge from petroleum factories;

Discharge from chemical factories.

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