Current through August 26, 2024
(1) ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION FOR
VULNERABLE POPULATIONS. All reports shall prominently display the following
language: "Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water
than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with
cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants,
people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and
infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek
advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC
guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by
Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the
environmental protection agency's safe drinking water hotline at
800-426-4791."
(2) ADDITIONAL
ARSENIC INFORMATION. Beginning July 1, 2002 a water supplier for a public water
system that detects arsenic above 0.005 mg/L and up to and including 0.01 mg/L:
(a) Shall include in the report a short
information statement about arsenic, using language such as: While your
drinking water meets EPA's standard for arsenic, it does contain low levels of
arsenic. EPA's standard balances the current understanding of arsenic's
possible health effects against the costs of removing arsenic from drinking
water. EPA continues to research the health effects of low levels of arsenic,
which is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and
is linked to other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory
problems.
(b) May write their own
educational statement, but only in consultation with the department.
(2m) ADDITIONAL NITRATE
INFORMATION. A system which detects nitrate at levels above 5 mg/L, but below
the MCL:
(a) Shall include a short
informational statement about the effects of nitrate on children using language
such as: "Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for
infants of less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water
can cause blue baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods
of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If you are caring for an
infant you should ask advice from your health care provider. Females who are or
may become pregnant should not consume water with nitrate concentrations that
exceed 10 ppm. There is some evidence of an association between exposure to
high nitrate levels in drinking water during the first weeks of pregnancy and
certain birth defects."
(b) May
write its own educational material, but only in consultation with the
department.
(3)
ADDITIONAL LEAD INFORMATION. Every report shall include the following
lead-specific information:
(a) A short
informational statement about lead in drinking water and its effects on
children. The statement must include the following information: "If present,
elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for
pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from
materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. [NAME
OF UTILITY] is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but
cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your
water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for
lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using
water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water,
you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water,
testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from
the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
"
(b) A system may
write its own educational statement, but only in consultation with the
department.
