Drinking water often comes with contaminants such as microorganisms, disinfection by products, disinfectants, inorganic chemicals and organic chemicals.
Following is a list of contaminants that may be in your water, their source and potential health effects.
Contaminant |
Source |
Potential Health Effects |
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|
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Asbestos |
Decay of asbestos cement in water mains; erosion of natural deposits |
Increased risk of developing benign intestinal polyps |
| |
|
|
Benzene |
Discharge from factories; leaching from gas storage tanks and landfills |
Anemia; decrease in blood platelets; increased risk of cancer |
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|
Chlordane |
Residue of banned termiticide |
Liver or nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer |
| |
|
|
Chlorine (as Cl2) |
Water additive used to control microbes |
Eye/nose irritation; stomach discomfort |
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|
|
Cryptosporidium |
Human and animal fecal waste |
Gastrointestinal illness (e.g. diarrhea, vomiting, cramps) |
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Giardia |
Human and animal fecal waste |
Gastrointestinal illness (e.g. diarrhea, vomiting, cramps) |
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Lead |
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits |
Infants and children: Delays in physical or mental development; children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities |
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Lindane |
Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on
cattle, lumber, gardens |
Liver or kidney problems |
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|
|
Trimethylamine
(TTHMs) |
By product of drinking water disinfection |
Liver, kidney or central nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer |
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|
|
2,4-D |
Runoff from herbicide used on row crops |
Kidney, liver or adrenal gland problems. |
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| Source: EPA |
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