COMMON CONTAMINANTS IN YOUR WATER SYSTEM

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　　Water Contamination: A Comprehensive Overview

　　Understanding Water Contamination

　　Water, a universal solvent, has the capability to dissolve or suspend an extensive array of substances, making it nearly impossible to obtain completely pure water (H2O) from your faucet. All water, except that found in research laboratories, contains some level of impurities. Even distilled water purchased in plastic bottles can eventually absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air, forming a weak acid known as carbonic acid. Moreover, it may also contain dissolved plastic molecules.

　　Are all water contaminants detrimental to health? Not necessarily. Many naturally occurring compounds found in water are benign or even beneficial to our health. For instance, minerals like calcium and magnesium are essential for human health, and some studies suggest that drinking water can be a dietary source for these minerals. However, the focus of this discussion will be on the undesirable or hazardous water contaminants.

　　Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) have been established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for some of the most common and/or potentially dangerous identified water pollutants. The following sections categorize the various types of contaminants that might be present in your drinking water.

　　Types of Water Contaminants

　　H1: Inorganic Compounds

　　Inorganic compounds, typically lacking the element Carbon, can dissolve in water from natural sources or human activities. Here are some examples:

  • Dissolved Gases: Oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, radon, methane, hydrogen sulfide, etc. While most have no appreciable health effects, hydrogen sulfide and radon can be harmful.
  • Metal and Metalloid Ions: Aluminum, arsenic (MCL=0.05), lead (MCL=0.015), mercury (MCL=0.002), calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc, copper (MCL=1.3), etc. Some of these ions, like lead, mercury, and arsenic, are toxic at low levels, while others are essential for health in proper amounts.

　　H2: Negative Ions

　　Negative ions, such as fluoride (MCL=4.0), chloride, nitrate (MCL=10.0), nitrite (MCL=1.0), phosphate, sulfate, carbonate, and cyanide (MCL=0.2), play various roles in health and environment. Some are necessary, while others can be toxic at moderate to low concentrations.

　　H3: Radon

　　Radon, a radioactive gas resulting from the decay of radium (a decay product of uranium), can be found in homes through soil and bedrock or, potentially, the water supply.

　　H1: Organic Compounds

　　Organic compounds contain Carbon and are synthesized in living organisms or formed by natural processes. Here are two main categories:

  • Natural Organic Compounds: Sugars, proteins, alcohols, etc., synthesized in living organisms or formed from once-living organisms like raw petroleum and coal.
  • Synthetic Organic Chemicals: Pesticides, plastics, synthetic fabrics, dyes, gasoline additives like MTBE, solvents like carbon tetrachloride (MCL=0.005), and many others. Many synthetic organic chemicals, like benzene (MCL=0.005), carbon tetrachloride, and vinyl chloride (MCL=0.002), are volatile organic chemicals (VOCs).

　　H2: Impact of Synthetic Organic Chemicals

　　The presence of synthetic organic chemicals in water supplies has raised significant concerns. For example, MTBE, used as a gasoline additive, gained national attention in 2000 after it was found to contaminate water supplies. Denver Water, which supplies municipal water to much of the metro Denver area, tests for 54 VOCs, 73 pesticides, 25 synthetic organic compounds, and 7 non-specific organics, many of which are below detectable levels. However, the fact that only a fraction of the thousands of synthetic organic chemicals are tested is disconcerting.

　　Health Implications

　　Many synthetic organic chemicals are believed to increase the risk of various cancers, affect the nervous system, or cause hormonal disruptions. Most laboratory tests focus on single chemicals, but water sources may contain multiple contaminants. Research suggests that exposure to multiple organic chemicals can significantly increase health risks compared to individual chemicals.

　　Addressing Water Contamination

　　The EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) serve as guidelines to protect public health. However, the reality is that water contamination is a complex issue with numerous variables. Testing water for contaminants is the only way to determine what is present. For those concerned about water quality, understanding the types of contaminants and their potential health impacts is crucial.

　　Conclusion

　　Water contamination is a multifaceted issue with both natural and human-made factors contributing to the presence of various substances in our drinking water. While not all contaminants are harmful, the potential health risks associated with certain pollutants necessitate careful monitoring and regulation. By staying informed and taking appropriate measures, we can ensure the safety of our water supply for generations to come.

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