Washington Administrative Code
Title 246 - Health, Department of
WATER SYSTEMS
Chapter 246-290 - Group A public water supplies
Part 7 - REPORTING
Subpart B - Consumer Confidence Reports
Section 246-290-72012 - Regulated contaminants

Contaminant

MCL or SAL (units match lab results)

To convert lab results for CCR, multiply by

MCL or SAL in CCR units

MCLG in CCR units

Major Sources in Drinking Water

Health Effects Language

Microbiological Contaminants

Total Coliform Bacteria

TT

-

TT

0

Naturally present in the environment

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 assessment(s) to identify problems and to correct any problems that were found during these assessments.

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.

-

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 (E. coli)

TT

-

TT

0

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

TT

-

TT

N/A

Naturally present in the environment

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.

Turbidity

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.

Giardia lamblia Viruses Cryptosporidium

TT

-

TT

0

Human and animal fecal waste

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.

Heterotrophic plate count (HPC) bacteria

TT

-

TT

N/A

HPC measures a range of bacteria that are naturally present in the environment

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.

Legionella

TT

-

TT

0

Found naturally in water; multiplies in heating systems

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.

Radioactive Contaminants

Beta/photon emitters

4 mrem/yr

-

4 mrem/yr

0

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

Alpha emitters [gross alpha excluding uranium and radon]

15 pCi/l

-

15 (pCi/L)

0

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 [226 & 228]

5 pCi/l

-

5 (pCi/L)

0

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

30 ppb

-

30 ppb

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 of getting cancer and kidney toxicity.

Inorganic Contaminants

Antimony

.006 ppm

1000

6 ppb

6 ppb

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

0.010 ppm

1000

10 ppb

0

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

7 MFL

-

7 MFL

7 MFL

Decay of asbestos cement water mains; 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

2 ppm

-

2 ppm

2 ppm

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

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

Beryllium

.004 ppm

1000

4 ppb

4 ppb

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.

Cadmium

.005 ppm

1000

5 ppb

5 ppb

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.

Chromium

.1 ppm

1000

100 ppb

100 ppb

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

TT AL = 1.3 ppm

-

TT AL = 1.3 ppm

1.3 ppm

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; 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

.2 ppm

1000

200 ppb

200 ppb

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

4 ppm

-

4 ppm

4 ppm

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

TT AL = .015 ppm

1000

TT AL = 15 ppb

0

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits

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.

Mercury [inorganic]

.002 ppm

1000

2 ppb

2 ppb

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

-

10.0 ppm

10.0 ppm

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

1.0 ppm

-

1.0 ppm

1.0 ppm

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

.05 ppm

1000

50 ppb

50 ppb

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

.002 ppm

1000

2 ppb

0.5 ppb

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.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs)

Bromate

.010 ppm

1000

10 ppb

0

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

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

Chloramines

MRDL = 4 ppm

-

MRDL = 4 ppm

MRDLG = 4 ppm

Water additive used to control microbes

Some people who use drinking 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.

Chlorine

MRDL = 4 ppm

-

MRDL = 4 ppm

MRDLG = 4 ppm

Water additive used to control microbes

Some people who use drinking 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.

Chlorite

1 ppm

-

1 ppm

0.8 ppm

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

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 mothers who drink water containing chlorite in excess of the MCL. Some people may experience anemia.

Chlorine dioxide

MRDL = .8 ppm

1000

MRDL = 800 ppb

MRDLG = 800 ppb

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 mothers who drink water containing chlorine dioxide in excess of the MRDL. Some people may experience anemia.

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)

60 ppb

-

60 ppb

N/A for combined dichloroacetic acid = 0; monochloroacetic acid = 70 ppb; trichloroacetic acid = 20 ppb

Byproduct 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.

Total Trihalomethanes [TTHMs]

80 ppb

-

80 ppb

N/A (chloroform = 70 ppb; dibromochloromethane = 60 ppb; bromoform = 0; bromodichloromethane = 0)

Byproduct 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.

Synthetic Organic Contaminants including Pesticides and Herbicides

2,4-D

70 ppb

-

70 ppb

70 ppb

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]

50 ppb

-

50 ppb

50 ppb

Residue of banned herbicide

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

Alachlor

2 ppb

-

2 ppb

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

3 ppb

-

3 ppb

3 ppb

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]

.2 ppb

1000

200 ppt

0

Leaching from linings of water storage tanks and 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

40 ppb

-

40 ppb

40 ppb

Leaching of soil fumigant used on rice and alfalfa

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.

Chlordane

2 ppb

-

2 ppb

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

200 ppb

-

200 ppb

200 ppb

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

400 ppb

-

400 ppb

400 ppb

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 or reproductive difficulties.

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate

6 ppb

-

6 ppb

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 [DBCP]

.2 ppb

1000

200 ppt

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

7 ppb

-

7 ppb

7 ppb

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.

Dioxin [2,3,7,8-TCDD]

.03 ppt

1,000

30 ppb

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.

Diquat

.02 ppb

1000

20 ppt

20 ppt

Runoff from herbicide use

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

Endothall

100 ppb

-

100 ppb

100 ppb

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

2 ppb

-

2 ppb

2 ppb

Residue of banned insecticide

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

Ethylene dibromide

.05 ppb

1000

50 ppt

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

700 ppb

-

700 ppb

700 ppb

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

.4 ppb

1000

400 ppt

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

.2 ppb

1000

200 ppt

0

Breakdown of heptachlor

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.

Hexachlorobenzene

1 ppb

-

1 ppb

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

50 ppb

-

50 ppb

50 ppb

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

.2 ppb

1000

200 ppt

200 ppt

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

40 ppb

-

40 ppb

40 ppb

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]

200 ppb

-

200 ppb

200 ppb

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]

.5 ppb

1000

500 ppt

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

1 ppb

-

1 ppb

0

Discharge from wood preserving factories

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.

PFOA

10 ppt

-

10 ppt

N/A

Run-off or leaching from fire-fighting foam, industrial discharge, and landfills; wastewater treatment plants

Some people who drink water containing PFOA in excess of the SAL over many years may experience problems with their cholesterol, liver, thyroid or immune system; have high blood pressure during pregnancy, have babies with lower birthweights; and be at higher risk of getting certain types of cancers.

PFOS

15 ppt

-

15 ppt

N/A

Run-off or leaching from fire-fighting foam, industrial discharge, and landfills; wastewater treatment plants

Some people who drink water containing PFOS in excess of the SAL over many years may experience problems with their cholesterol, liver, thyroid, kidney, or immune systems; or have children with lower birth-weights.

PFHxS

65 ppt

-

65 ppt

N/A

Run-off or leaching from fire-fighting foam, industrial discharge, and landfills; wastewater treatment plants

Some people who drink water containing PFHxS in excess of the SAL over many years may experience liver or immune problems, or thyroid hormone problems during pregnancy and infancy. It is possible that exposed children may have increased risk of abnormal behavior.

PFNA

9 ppt

-

9 ppt

N/A

Run-off or leaching from fire-fighting foam, industrial discharge, and landfills; wastewater treatment plants

Some people who drink water containing PFNA in excess of the SAL over many years may experience cholesterol, immune, liver or reproductive problems. Children exposed prenatally may have lower birthweights and increased risk of abnormal development.

PFBS

345 ppt

-

345 ppt

N/A

Run-off or leaching from fire-fighting foam, industrial discharge, and landfills; wastewater treatment plants

Some people who drink water containing PFBS in excess of the SAL may experience higher risk of cholesterol, liver, kidney or thyroid problems. Early life is the most sensitive period for altered thyroid hormone; sensitive populations include persons who are pregnant, nursing or less than a year old.

Picloram

500 ppb

-

500 ppb

500 ppb

Herbicide runoff

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

Simazine

4 ppb

-

4 ppb

4 ppb

Herbicide runoff

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

Toxaphene

3 ppb

-

3 ppb

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

5 ppb

-

5 ppb

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

5 ppb

-

5 ppb

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 their liver and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Chlorobenzene

100 ppb

-

100 ppb

100 ppb

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

600 ppb

-

600 ppb

600 ppb

Discharge from industrial chemical factories

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.

p-Dichlorobenzene

75 ppb

-

75 ppb

75 ppb

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

5 ppb

-

5 ppb

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

7 ppb

-

7 ppb

7 ppb

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

70 ppb

-

70 ppb

70 ppb

Discharge from industrial chemical factories

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

trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene

(()) 100 ppb

-

100 ppb

100 ppb

Discharge from industrial chemical factories

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.

Dichloromethane

5 ppb

-

5 ppb

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 increased risk of getting cancer.

1,2-Dichloropropane

5 ppb

-

5 ppb

0

Discharge from industrial chemical factories

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.

Ethylbenzene

700 ppb

-

700 ppb

700 ppb

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.

Styrene

100 ppb

-

100 ppb

100 ppb

Discharge from rubber and plastic factories; 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

5 ppb

-

5 ppb

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

70 ppb

-

70 ppb

70 ppb

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

200 ppb

-

200 ppb

200 ppb

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

5 ppb

-

5 ppb

3 ppb

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.

Toluene

1000 ppm

-

1000 ppm

1000 ppm

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

2 ppb

-

2 ppb

0

Leaching from PVC piping: Discharge 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

10,000 ppb

-

10,000 ppb

10,000 ppb

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.

Treatment Technique Violations

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 an increased risk of getting cancer.

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.

Groundwater rule TT violations

TT

-

TT

N/A

-

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

Key

AL = Action Level

MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level

MCLG = Maximum Contaminant Level Goal

MFL = million fibers per liter

MRDL = Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level

MRDLG = Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal

mrem/year = millirems per year (a measure of radiation absorbed by the body)

N/A = Not Applicable

NTU = Nephelometric Turbidity Units (a measure of water clarity)

pCi/L = picocuries per liter (a measure of radioactivity)

ppm = parts per million, or milligrams per liter (mg/L)

ppb = parts per billion, or micrograms per liter (ug/L)

ppt = parts per trillion, or nanograms per liter (ng/L)

ppq = parts per quadrillion, or picograms per liter (pg/L)

SAL = state action level

TT = Treatment Technique