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- A -
Arsenic
The recommended maximum level is less than 0.010 mg/L. Arsenic in water occurs naturally as well as from industrial activities. Excessive ingestion of arsenic may cause severe poisoning.
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- C -
Chloride
Recommended range is less than 250 mg/L. Chloride can cause corrosion above 250 mg/L and above 400 mg/L chloride causes an objectionable salty taste.
Coliform
The recommended level is 0 per 100 ml or absence/100 ml sample. Coliform bacteria are used as indicator organisms to ascertain quality of potable water. The presence of coliform bacteria indicates that disease-causing bacteria may be present.
Copper
The recommended maximum level is 1.3 mg/L. Copper can cause adverse taste effects or stain porcelain. Extremely high concentrations of copper may cause gastrointestinal tract irritation.
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- F -
Fluoride
The recommended maximum level is 4.0 mg/L. A fluoride concentration of approximately 1.0 mg/L in drinking water effectively reduces dental cavities without harmful effects on health. Fluoride may occur naturally in water. Some fluorosis may occur when the fluoride level exceeds the recommended limits.
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- H -
Hardness
Many State Department of Environmental Services recommend treatment at 125-150mg/L. Hardness is the result of segregation of minerals such as calcium, magnesium and silica. Excessive hardness can cause scale formation in heating systems and combined with soap may leave insoluble particles.
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- I -
Iron
The recommended level is less than 0.3 mg/L. Iron can cause discoloration in laundered goods and can cause a bitter or astringent taste in the water.
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- L -
Lead
The recommended maximum level is less than 1.015 mg/L. Lead can occur due to corrosion of lead containing household plumbing and by industrial pollution. Major toxic effects include anemia, neurological dysfunction/damage and renal impairment.
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- M -
Manganese
The recommended level is less than 0.05 mg/L. Manganese can cause discoloration in laundered goods and impair taste in drinking water and beverages. At high concentrations it may cause brown spots in laundry items and leave unaesthetic black precipitates.
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- N -
Nitrate-N
The maximum contaminant level is 10 mg/L. Major sources of nitrate are fertilizer runoff, oil, organic matter, leaching from landfills, and municipal and industrial wastewaters. Excessive concentrations can indicate septic tank pollution. Under certain conditions nitrates can be chemically reduced in the body to form Nitrite-N.
Nitrite-N
The maximum contaminate level is 1.0 mg/L. Water with high nitrite levels should not be used for infants under 3 months of age due to the potential risk of methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome). Water with high nitrite concentrations usually are heavily polluted and bacteriological unacceptable.
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- P -
pH
Recommended range is 6.5 to 8.5. A pH of 7.0 is considered neutral. Below 7.0 the water is considered acidic and above 7.0 the water is considered basic. At a pH of less than 6.5 corrosive effects may transpire and the leaching of toxic metals such as copper and lead may occur. A pH greater than 8.5 may cause mineral incrustations and bitter tasting water.
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- R -
Radon
The US EPA has set an advisory "action level" of 4 pCi/L for radon gas in indoor air. While not a mandated health standard, this level is a guideline for people to use in assessing the seriousness of their exposure to airborne radon. Until such time as the federal standard for radon in water is finalized, the DES(Department of Environmental Services) and DHHS (Department of Public Health Services) suggest that homeowners investigate water treatment for the removal of radon if the concentration of radon in their drinking water exceeds an average of 2,000 pCi/L (10,000 pCi/L in Massachusetts). For more information on Radon please see Radon Information listed under Homeowner Tips.
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- S -
Sodium
The recommended maximum level is 250 mg/L. For people on low sodium diets the recommended maximum level is 20 mg/L.
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