Drinking water threats

Drinking water threats

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates slightly more than 90 contaminants in public drinking water systems. They include man-made chemicals as well as naturally occurring contaminants from rocks and soil. A look at some of the contaminants that fall under federal or state regulations:

Arsenic: Enters drinking water through eroding natural deposits in the ground or mining and other industrial activity. Can cause skin damage, circulatory problems and increased risk of cancer.

Chromium: A metallic element used to make stainless steel, dyes, paints and wood preservatives. There is no separate nationwide standard for chromium-6, which became widely known after the film “Erin Brockovich.” Can cause various cancers.

Microcystin: Comes from blue-green algae found in lakes and reservoirs. It was largely unregulated in public-water systems until toxins contaminated the supply in Toledo last summer. Can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, liver and kidney damage. Can also kill pets, farm animals and wildlife that drink or swim in the water.

Nitrate: Commonly found in farm fertilizers, but also comes from animal waste. Carried into drinking water sources by field runoff, leaking septic tanks and sewage. Poses risk to infants under 6 months who drink contaminated water. Can cause shortness of breath, vomiting and the potentially fatal “blue baby” syndrome.

Perchlorate: Used to make rocket fuel, fireworks and other explosives. Can cause thyroid problems in pregnant women and young children.

Selenium: A naturally occurring element that can make its way into water through mountaintop-removal mining or after being discharged by oil and metal refineries. Can cause damage to the kidneys, skin and nervous system.

Source: AP