Main water contaminants in water supplies
1.) Microorganisms
2.) Disinfectants
3.) Disinfectant Byproducts
4.) Inorganic Chemicals
5.) Organic Chemicals
6.) Radionuclides
- Ex. Legionella (MCL: no limit)
- Found in water naturally; multiplies in heating systems
- Could cause legionnaire's disease, type of pneumonia
2.) Disinfectants
- Ex. Chlorine (MCL: MRDL=4.0)
- Added to water to control microbes
- Eye/ nose irritation; stomach discomfort
3.) Disinfectant Byproducts
- Ex. Bromate (MCL: .010)
- Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
- Increased risk of cancer
4.) Inorganic Chemicals
- Ex. Copper (MCL: 1.0)
- Corrosion of household plumbing systems; errosion of natural deposits
- Short term: gastrointestinal distress
- Long term: liver or kidney damage
5.) Organic Chemicals
- Ex. Benzene (MCL: .005)
- Discharge from factories; leaching from gas storage tanks/ landfills
- Anemia; decreased in blood platelets; increased cancer risk
6.) Radionuclides
- Ex. Uranium (MCL: 30 UG/L)
- Erosion of natural deposits
- Increased risk of cancer or kidney toxicity
Water Quality in Pittsburgh
1.) Microbiological Contaminants
2.) Disinfection Byproducts
3.) Lead & Copper
4.) Inorganic Chemical Contaminants
5.) TOC Removal
6.) Radioactive Contaminants
- Ex. Total Coliform (MCL: 5%)
- Level detected: .9%
2.) Disinfection Byproducts
- Ex. Total Halocetic Acids (MCL: 60)
- Level detected: 13
3.) Lead & Copper
- Ex. Lead (MCL: 15)
- Level Detected: 90th percentile= 14.7
4.) Inorganic Chemical Contaminants
- Ex. Nitrate (MCL: 10)
- Level Detected: .861
5.) TOC Removal
- Ex. Total Organic Carbon (MCL: 35%)
- No quarter of compliance
6.) Radioactive Contaminants
- Ex. Combined Radium (MCL: 5)
- Level Detected: .86