|
How can I find
out more about my drinking water quality?
Public water supply customers can contact their local utility and
request a copy of the Annual Water Quality Report (or Consumer Confidence
Report). This report is a summary of the water test results obtained by the
utility for the previous year. This report lists the following:
- The
name of the contaminant(s) that were detected
- The
range or average amount of each contaminant that was detected
- The
MCL or Maximum Contaminant Level established by state or federal law for
that contaminant
- The
potential source of each contaminant
|
|
What is a
Maximum Contaminant Level? How does that differ from a Maximum Contaminant
Level Goal?
The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) is the maximum amount of a
particular contaminant that is allowed in a public drinking water. Water
suppliers must notify their customers if a contaminant exceeds the MCL.
The Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) is the level of a contaminant in
drinking water at which there is no known or anticipated health threat from
that contaminant to a person who consumes the water.
|
|
Where does lead
come from in my drinking water?
Most lead in drinking water supplies leaches from the plumbing in our homes,
including lead service lines, lead-based solder (used to join copper
plumbing), and faucets. To reduce your exposure to lead, make sure to flush
your pipes for several seconds before using the water for drinking or
cooking.
|
|
Where can I
obtain further information on the health effects of contaminants that may be
harmful to me?
You can contact your local or state public health department, personal
physician, or the EPA's safe drinking water hotline at 1-800-426-4791 for
further information on the health effects and potential sources of the
various contaminants found in drinking water supplies.
|
|
Where can I find out more information about home water treatment devices?
NSF International is the leading not-for-profit, nongovernmental
organization that tests home water treatment products on the market today.
NSF evaluates water treatment devices to ensure the following:
- The
product meets structural integrity requirements
- The
product is constructed of materials which do not leach harmful
contaminants into the water being treated
- The
product does reduce the contaminants claimed by the manufacturer
To assist consumers in obtaining a better
understanding of these devices, NSF provides online information in the
drinking water section of its consumer website.
http://nsf.org/ |
|
|