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. |
Hexachlorocyclo-pentadiene | 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 firefighting 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 firefighting 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 birthweights. |
PFHxS | 65 ppt | - | 65 ppt | N/A | Run-off or leaching from firefighting 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 firefighting 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 firefighting 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 | ||||||