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POTABILITY SCAN LIST OF PARAMETERS This document has been developed based on federal standards as of 01/23/06 to assist consumers interpret their water test results. Contact your local Health Department for specific questions concerning these guidelines or recommendations regarding testing parameters, test frequency or possible treatment options. PARAMETER MCL* DESCRIPTION Alkalinity No Limit The alkalinity of water is a measure of its ability to neutralize a strong acid. A water with low pH and low alkalinity might be considered to be corrosive. An alkalinity of 30 to 100 mg/l is desirable for domestic purposes. Sources include erosion of natural deposits, runoff from orchards, pesticide residues, industrial waste and smelter operations. A component of the water’s hardness. Calcium is found in soil and can leach into water supplies affecting hardness, alkalinity and pH. Calcium levels of 50 to 150 mg/l are recommended for domestic purposes. Arsenic 0.01 mg/L Calcium No Limit Chloride 250 mg/L** Coliform Bacteria 0 Color 15 C.U.** Color is a measurement of clarity or discoloration. Color is considered for aesthetic reasons and can also be used to confirm problems with various minerals and metals such as iron and manganese. Copper 1.3 mg/L (action level) 1.0 mg/L** This element can be found in some natural waters. Excessive amounts of copper can occur in corrosive water that passes through copper pipes. Copper in small amounts is not detrimental to health; however, higher amounts will impart an undesirable taste to drinking water. Hardness No Limit Hardness is caused chiefly by calcium and magnesium ions, and it is expressed as milligrams of calcium carbonate (CaC03) per liter of water. Hardness may vary from 0 to several hundred mg/l. Small concentrations of hardness help combat corrosion of metallic pipes by forming a protective coating. Appreciable amounts of hardness break down on heating to form scale in boilers and on cooking utensils. Hard water retards the cleaning action of soaps and detergents. Water showing a hardness of less than 50 mg/l are relatively soft; 50-100 mg/l is medium hard, and over 100 mg/l are exceedingly hard. Very soft water, usually less than 30 mg/l of hardness, is likely to be corrosive. Hardness of 50 to 200 mg/l is desirable for domestic purposes. Iron 0.3 mg/L** Small amounts of iron are frequently present in water because of the large amount of iron present in soil and because corrosive water will pick up iron from cast iron pipes. The presence of high levels is considered objectionable because it stains laundry and porcelain, and it also affects the taste of beverages. A component of road salt. Affects taste and may lead to corrosion of pipes. Coliform bacteria are widely distributed in nature. Contamination from surface waters, septic systems and direct contamination from animal feces can contribute to the growth of coliform bacteria in wells. The presence of coliforms indicates the possibility that disease-producing organisms may also be present in the water. Lead 0.015 mg/L (action level) Lead is a metal formerly used in soldering joints in plumbing systems. Can be caused by plumbing, solder or fixture deterioration. Lead can build up gradually and can have effects on the brain and nervous systems. Magnesium No Limit Manganese 0.05 mg/L** A component of the water’s hardness. Magnesium is found in soil and can leach into water supplies affecting hardness. Naturally occurring element in soil. Although rarely present in excess of one milligram per liter, manganese imparts black stains to laundry and to plumbing fixtures. Nitrate 10 mg/L In drinking, water above the standard poses an immediate threat to children less than three months of age. If the drinking water contains an excessive amount of nitrate, it should not be given to infants under three months of age and not used to prepare formula. Nitrates can be found in fertilizers, feedlots, sewage; usually occurs in soil and mineral deposits. Nitrite Odor pH 1 mg/L 3 TON** 6.5-8.5** Part of the nitrogen cycle. Can be correlated to high levels of nitrate. The presence of odor may be an indicator of possible contaminants. A measure of hydrogen ion concentration in water and represents the aggressiveness of the water towards pipes. Values range from 0-14. A value of 7 indicates neutral water; values less than 7, increasing acidity; and values greater than 7 indicates increasing alkalinity. Determination of pH assists in the control of disinfecting and corrosion. Sediment None Sodium No Limit (20 mg/L ORSG) A visual identification made for the presence or absence of sediment after a period of standing. The Office of Research and Standards Guideline has been established for sodium at 20 mg/L which represents a level in water that physicians and sodium-sensitive individuals should be aware of in cases where sodium exposures are being carefully controlled. Sulfate 250 mg/L** Sulfate is widely distributed in nature and may be present in natural waters in concentrations ranging from a few to several thousand milligrams per liter. Because of the laxative effects of magnesium sulfate and/or sodium sulfate, sulfate content should not exceed 250 mg/L. Total Dissolved Solids 500 mg/L ** The amount of dissolved materials present. High levels can damage plumbing and limit the effectiveness of soaps and detergents. Remove by filtration. Turbidity 5.0 NTU A suspension of fine particles floating in water. Usually caused by bacterial contamination, organic matter, iron, manganese or silt from erosion, runoff or discharges. May cause sediment. * MCL – EPA Maximum Contaminant Level, represents the maximum permissible level of a contaminant in drinking water. ** SMCL – EPA Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level, representing reasonable goals for drinking water. These standards are developed to protect the aesthetic qualities of drinking water and are not health based. EPA recommends secondary standards to water systems but does not require systems to comply. However, states may choose to adopt them as enforceable standards.