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COMMON CONTAMINANTS

Arsenic: Most arsenic enters water supplies from either natural deposits in the earth or from industrial and agricultural pollution. In drinking water it poses many health hazards including cancer, reproductive problems, birth defects, and harms the central and peripheral nervous systems. The Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC) found, in data compiled by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), that more than 34 million Americans drink tap water supplied by systems that pose unacceptable cancer risks. (ww.nrdc.org)
Chlorine: Chlorine is added to our drinking water by municipalities and water companies to reduce the growth of bacteria. However, it does not kill cryptosporidium which is recognized as one of the most common causes of waterborne illness. Chlorine levels in drinking water are about one third of those found in swimming pools. Chlorine causes an unpleasant taste and smell in drinking water.
Disinfection Byproduct: Because of the age and the deterioration of our water mains, disinfection products must be added to try and prevent leaching of lead, asbestos and other contaminants into our drinking water.
Trihalomethanes: Chlorine interacts with organic material found in water, and these byproducts are known as Trihalomethanes, or THMs. THMs are considered factor in cancer rates. The typical level of THMs found in New York City water is about two-thirds of the level established by the Environmental Protection Agency as its Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL).
Metals: Copper, iron, manganese and zinc are often found in tap water. They affect the taste and discolor water. Aluminum and Lead: These metals are considered health hazards and can contaminate your water due to aged pipes, and the treatments needed to keep them intact. Lead in drinking water can cause serious harm to the brain, kidneys, nervous system, and red blood cells. For more information check the following articles:
Cryptosporidium: A parasitic cyst, which is not killed by chlorination because of a hard outer shell. It is sporadic, meaning that at any moment it may or may not be present in tap water. Considered a threat to individuals with weakened immune systems for example infants, the elderly, HIV positive and those undergoing chemotherapy
Giardia: A diarrhea illness caused by a one-celled microscopic parasite. During the past two decades giardia has become recognized as one of the most common causes of waterborne disease. (recreational and drinking water)
VOCs: man-made chemicals used as solvents, degreasers, and gasoline components. Examples include benzene, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and sodium chloride (run off from roadways adjacent to waterways).

CONTAMINANTS OF EMERGING CONCERN

Personal care products (PCP’s), Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC’s) and pharmaceuticals are now being found in the water supply. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is working to understand the impact of these emerging contaminants on our health.

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