Water
Some contaminants come from erosion of rock
There is more than 80 contaminants in drinking water
EPA regulates drinking water
Also known as H2O
Large cities mostly drink from lakes, rivers, reservoirs
Quality of water varies on place to place
Every water supplier must provide an annual report
EPA does not regulate private wells
suppliers add chlorine and other disinfectant to kill bacteria
Children are at risk for high levels of nitrate and lead among others
Boiling water can help eliminate health risks
Local water supplier will notify you if there is a potential acute or chronic health risks
Well water may not need to go through all of the purification steps
Dissolves or absorbs substances it touches
Water with high levels of minerals can be harmful
Some contaminants come from factories run off
Smallest water contaminants are Viruses and Giardia
Water pumped from wells contains less organic matter than surface water
Rural areas people drinks from groundwater pumped by a well
Pure water does not exist
Private wells are not subject to EPA testing
Important to think about where the water comes from and what goes on near the source
EPA standards protect the health of 250 million people
EPA and states assist water suppliers
Can get involved with wellhead protection activities to prevent contamination
xHold or attend public meetings to ensure drinking water is properly tested and is safe
Use cold tap water for making baby formula, cooking, and drinking
Annual report must include violation occurring in the previous year
Water warnings may be sent by mail or sent with water bill
Suppliers that continuously send consumers high contaminated water they are violating regulation
Acute Effects occur within hours or days of consumption
There are more than 80 contaminants in drinking water
EPA can take legal action against them if their water does not meet their standards
People with HIV, undergoing chemotherapy, use steroids are at risk to microbial contaminants bc of a lesser immune system
EPA stands for Environmental Protection Agency
Water has one hydrogen atom
Chronic Effects occur when people consume high levels of contaminants for years
Chronics Chemicals such as disinfection by-products, solvents, and pesticides
Chronics effects can cause cancer, liver or kidney issues, and reproductive problems among
Water has 2 oxygen atoms
Chronic Exposure can make people ill, and can be deadly to a weakened immune system
Poland Springs and other suppliers water comes from different sources