What contaminants can be in our drinking water?

As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.  Contaminants that may be present in source water include: Microbial contaminants such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife; Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming; Pesticides and herbicides which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses; Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems; Radioactive contaminants which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

In order to assure tap water is safe to drink, EPA has regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems.  Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

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1. What contaminants can be in our drinking water?
2. Am I at risk?
3. Where does our drinking water come from?
4. How safe is the source of our drinking water?
5. What is Cryptosporidium?
6. Lead and Drinking Water
7. How can I learn more about our drinking water?
8. Conserving Water = Saving Money
9. Utility Field Operations Emergency Service Center
10. Utility Billing Services