Lead

Drinking Water Standard and Health Risks

Lead in amounts over the primary drinking water standard of 0.015 milligrams per liter may cause nervous system disorders and brain or kidney damage. Since lead accumulates in body tissue, it is especially hazardous to the fetus or to children under three years old.

Possible Source of Contamination

Most lead contamination of drinking water occurs when soft acidic water corrodes lead or galvanized pipes or corrodes solder used in pipe fittings. Lead from solder can be confirmed by testing to see if tin is also present. Lead is used in insecticides and in high octane gasolines. Lead contamination may be present in water from industrial waste disposal or landfill leachate.

Mercury

Drinking Water Standard and Health Risks

The primary drinking water standard for mercury is 0.002 milligrams per liter. Mercury can cause acute poisoning in a large dose. Since mercury accumulates in body tissues, it can cause chronic effects to the nervous system, kidney or intestines at low doses over a long period of time. Mercury compounds become concentrated in the tissues of fish; therefore, fish taken from mercury polluted water should not be eaten.

Possible Source of Contamination

Mercury contamination of water is caused by industrial or agricultural wastes.

 

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED ADVICE ON HOW TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, CONTACT THE HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING LABORATORY AT 207-287-1716.