Drinking_Water_Desk_Guide_Final_9.13.16.pdf

APPENDIX A

Public Buildings Service

Desk Guide For

Drinking Water Quality Management Companion to

GSA Order PBS 1000.7

Office of Facilities Management

Facility Risk Management Division

September 12, 2016

Desk Guide for Drinking Water Quality Management

Table of Contents Section Page

Introduction ………………………………………………………………………… 3

Definitions …………………………………………………………………

Responsibilities ……………………………………………………………….. 3

Guidance ………………………………………………………………... 5

Appendix A EPA Primary Drinking Water Standards ……………………. 9

Appendix B EPA Secondary Drinking Water Standards ……………………. 20

Appendix C Lead in Drinking Water Sampling Procedure ……………………. 21

Appendix D Lead in Drinking Water Remediation Processes………………

Appendix E Legionella Control in GSA Water Systems……………………….. 34

Appendix F Non-Public Water System Testing…………………………………. 36

Introduction

This desk guide is a companion document to the Drinking Water Quality Management Policy and identifies the processes, roles, responsibilities, technical references and best practices to support execution and compliance with said Policy.

Definitions

Drinking water outlet. Building fixtures which provide water intended for consumption, including drinking water fountains, concession water outlets, water faucets used as sources of drinking water (e.g., faucets in kitchens, lunch/break areas, meeting areas, and others), water sources used for food preparation including cooking of food and cleaning of food, utensils, containers, and cooking products.

Potable water. Water fit for human consumption, including water from drinking water outlets as well as water from restroom and janitorial faucets.

Public water system (PWS). A publicly or privately owned system for the provision of water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances that has at least 15 service connections or regularly serves an average of at least 25 individuals daily for at least 60 days out of the year. Drinking water furnished by a PWS to a GSA owned or leased facility is generally considered potable and acceptable for consumption as evidenced by the Federal, state and local testing requirements imposed on the PWS.

Community water system (CWS). A PWS that is designated as a CWS that serves a defined residential and/or business community and that is not a public utility.

Private wells. “Private” (e.g., household or limited service) wells, sometimes referred to as non-public water systems, are not regulated under EPA’s drinking water program and are instead generally regulated on a limited basis by the States. The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) does not regulate private wells which serve fewer than 25 individuals. State or local authorities, however, may regulate such private wells under certain circumstances.

Dead leg. A section of plumbing or length of pipe that is capped on one end so that the water does not move through that section. Dead legs can lead to water denaturing through bacterial growth or unwanted metallic leaching.

Responsibilities

Office of Facilities Management. The Office of Facilities Management (OFM) is responsible for development of drinking water quality guidance and oversight of the overall drinking water program. OFM will provide training on the requirements in this guide and support regions when addressing drinking water concerns and resolving complaints.

Regional Environmental, Safety & Health Program Staff. The regional environmental, safety and health (ES&H) program staff is responsible for ensuring compliance with this guidance.

The ES&H staff supports regional facility managers, project managers and lease administration managers :

Provide technical interpretation and offer conclusions and/or recommendations of drinking water testing reports;

Assist in having drinking water systems evaluated and/or drinking water;

Assist in communicating to tenant agencies about drinking water concerns, questions or incidents;

Ensure records for water system commissioning, repairs and/or water quality testing are maintained; and

Provide reviews and input on all mitigation and corrective action efforts in buildings where elevated drinking water contaminants are found.

PBS, Facility Managers. Facility Managers are responsible for:

Ensure drinking water systems are being maintained in accordance with existing Operations & Maintenance (O&M) contract requirements and all relevant laws and regulations.

Respond to drinking water complaints or concerns in a timely and thorough fashion by conducting or coordinating plumbing system evaluations and/or water quality testing;

Communicate to all building occupants and visitors all relevant information about drinking water incidents or emergencies;

Take all available action to restore drinking water to a building, in the wake of any incident that renders the drinking water non-potable; and

Manage the testing of drinking water as required by the PBS drinking water guidance EPA, state or local statute.

PBS, Office of Design and Construction. The Office of Design and Construction (ODC) is responsible for ensuring all new plumbing systems are designed and constructed in accordance with the P-100 “Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service”, including system commissioning.

PBS, Lease Administration Managers. Lease Administration Managers (LAM) are responsible for ensuring lessors comply with the lease contract requirements for drinking water quality including all pertinent laws and regulations. The LAMs are also responsible for ensuring lessors promptly and thoroughly respond to any drinking water concerns or complaints.

Delegated Buildings. Agencies delegated authority for GSA owned buildings are responsible for:

Ensure drinking water systems are maintained in accordance with the best practices of the industry and all relevant laws, regulations and federal requirements.

Respond to drinking water complaints or concerns in a timely and thorough manner by conducting or coordinating plumbing system evaluations and/or water quality testing.

Communicate to all appropriate stakeholders, including building occupants, contractors and visitors any relevant information about incidents, emergencies or issues affecting drinking water quality.

Take all available action to restore drinking water to a building, in the wake of any incident that renders the drinking water non-potable; and

Manage the testing of drinking water as required by this desk guide, EPA, state or local regulations.

Guidance

Building and System Commissioning

Newly constructed, GSA owned facilities shall be subject to drinking water system commissioning in accordance with PBS-P100 “Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service" requirements prior to use. GSA owned facilities that undergo complete or substantial drinking water system replacement shall also be commissioned prior to use. Commissioning shall conform to the requirements of the P-100 and at minimum consist of flushing the system with fresh water and testing water from a representative number of outlets for total coliform bacteria and lead. Test results exceeding state, local or EPA limits shall require re-flushing and retesting. In some instances, disinfection may be needed for elevated bacteria levels that can’t be reduced through flushing.

Child Care Center Testing

All GSA child care centers shall be tested for lead and copper every three (3) years. Testing shall be conducted in accordance with EPA guidance (Sampling for Lead in Drinking Water in Nursery Schools and Day Care Facilities, EPA 812-B-94-003 and Lead in Schools Drinking Water, EPA 57-/9-89-00), and the GSA Child Care Design Guide. Key features of the testing are:

Water samples shall be first draw.

Samples shall be from the cold water side of the outlet.

All drinking water outlets shall be sampled.

Facilities older than 25 years and sample results between 10 and 15 parts per billion of lead require annual sampling, in accordance with EPA guidance.

Final commissioning of newly built centers shall include sampling of all outlets and at or near the service connection.

One or more of the following response actions are necessary for any test result that exceeds the EPA primary drinking water standards for copper or lead:

Flushing the water line

Replacing plumbing fixtures or piping

Installing in-line water filtration

Removing outlet(s) from service

Retesting is required to confirm the effectiveness of the response actions before the water may be used for consumption.

Incidents, Complaints and Emergencies

The guidance requires that complaints about drinking water be promptly evaluated by the Facility Manager, lessor or delegated agency and corrective action be taken to restore water quality. Similarly, incidents and emergencies that affect drinking water will be promptly investigated and corrective action taken to restore water quality. For all confirmed impacts on drinking water, testing may be required to confirm the corrective measures have restored the drinking water to an acceptable quality standard.

Evaluating drinking water complaints will require gathering the necessary information to determine potential source of the complaint:

Which outlets are affected

Are there visible or apparent indications of an off-taste, color or odor

When did the problem first occur and is it associated with any related facility maintenance or construction

Is it continuous or does it occur only at certain times

Water testing may be needed to isolate the location of the problem and/or confirm the nature of the complaint. The testing method selected should be determined based on the nature of the complaint. The most common causes of drinking water complaints are: iron (rust), dissolved or trapped air (from plumbing repairs), copper, lead and bacteria. When a problem is confirmed through investigation and/or testing, corrective actions may include:

Flushing the water line

Replacing plumbing fixtures or piping

Installing in-line water filtration

Removing the outlet(s) from service

Incidents and emergencies affecting drinking water may include: plumbing backflow, pipe breaks, service outages and flooding. Flooding that results in potential mixing of wastewater and drinking water require testing for coliform bacteria following system repair and flushing to ensure the water meets potable water standards. Similarly, plumbing breaks where the water lines are in contact with soil require coliform bacteria testing following repair and flushing. Such testing must follow EPA, state or local requirements, which may require additional testing parameters such as iron and copper.

Legionella control.

Legionella bacteria are addressed in this guidance although not considered to be an active concern in drinking water systems. Legionella is readily present in water but poses no risk unless conditions allow the bacteria to sufficiently amplify and there is a mechanism for exposure. GSA manages these conditions through the use of preventive facility maintenance and operating practices. Appendix E describes the inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures prescribed by GSA to prevent and control legionella in facility water systems.

Water from sources other than municipality or public water system (PWS)

In GSA owned facilities served by a community water system (CWS) or other non-public water system (often well water), records reviews and drinking water quality testing must be conducted as described below to ensure water quality.

For facilities served by a CWS, obtain and review the water Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) or Drinking Water Quality Report that the CWS is required by law to provide to its customers by July 1 of each year. Review the regulated contaminants the CWS detected in treated drinking water and the level at which they were found for the preceding calendar year.

For any contaminants above the maximum contaminant level, confer with the CWS to ensure appropriate corrective actions are taken to achieve and maintain acceptable levels.1

For facilities served by a non-public water system (such as local well water or other supply not regulated as a PWS or CWS), review and maintain available existing water quality records. EPA and various states recommend testing of these systems initially, annually, and when off-normal events occur (see Appendix F, Non-public Water System Testing Guidelines). Conduct water quality testing in a manner generally consistent with these recommendations. In addition, review any State and/or local regulations for drinking water quality testing for non-public water systems and conduct testing accordingly. In addition to State and local requirements, the testing guidelines outlined should be adhered to.

Unless test records are already available, conduct initial testing for arsenic, chloride, fluoride, hardness, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nitrate, pH, radon, sodium, sulfate, total coliform bacteria, and total dissolved solids. If lead is found to exceed 20 ppb, proceed as described in Section a, above.

Repeat initial testing when there are changes in the water supply system (well replacement or fracturing and significant repairs of pipes, pumps, and components).

Repeat initial testing when a well water supply is flooded, after it has been recovered and purged, and before it is returned to service.

Conduct annual testing for nitrate, pH, total coliform bacteria, and total dissolved solids.

Conduct similar testing as defined in Section c, Monitoring for Other Contaminants and Water Quality Indicators, in response to tenant complaints/concerns/health effects, changes in color/taste/odor, wastewater contamination, and other off-normal conditions.

Also see Appendix B, EPA Secondary Drinking Water Standards and Appendix F, Non-public Water System Testing Guidelines for possible test parameters.

Review public records of local well water (or other source water) conditions and contaminant levels. Conduct initial testing based on any identified concerns associated with the local geographical area (e.g., for contaminants prevalent to the area that are related to heavy agricultural use, oil and gas production, coal or other mining, landfills, and industrial use; refer to Appendix F).

For GSA-leased facilities, the lessor shall provide water quality records to GSA and provide testing and/or assurance of water quality as required in lease contract obligations.

Prohibited Use of Lead

As amended by the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act, the Safe Water Drinking Act prohibits for all construction, renovation, and repair projects (owned or leased) the use of solder and flux containing more than 0.2% lead and domestic water pipe or pipe fittings with a weighted average lead content of wetted surfaces of more than 0.25%. Prior to 2014, pipes and

The same testing requirements as specified in Sections a-d also apply to buildings served by a CWS.

pipe fittings were allowed with 8.0% or less lead. The lead solder ban was enacted by Congress on June 19, 1986. Buildings constructed prior to this date may need more intense testing and remedial actions for lead than those specified in Section a, above. Although main gate valves larger than 2 inches are exempt from the lead restrictions, lead fittings for all main gate valves are not permitted in GSA construction.

Appendix A: EPA Primary Drinking Water Standards

The Primary Drinking Water Standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act are legally enforceable standards that apply to public water systems. These primary standards are intended to protect the public against consumption of drinking water contaminants that present a risk to human health. The contaminant levels in the tables below are not-to-exceed levels, expressed as the maximum measurable values allowable by law, or “maximum contaminant levels” (MCLs). States may enact their own standards, but they must be as or more stringent than these. Test results for all water supply systems are available for GSA review.

GSA may be required to sample water internal to a building if complaints are registered about water quality or appearance. Sampling may also be warranted when problems occur within a building’s plumbing and water distribution system. The values in these tables are the contaminant levels against which such samples should be evaluated. Testing should be done for contaminants relevant to the nature of the occupant complaint or problem in the water system as noted in Sections (c) and (e) of this guidance document. Refer to Appendix B, EPA Secondary Drinking Water Standards.

Microorganisms

Contaminant

MCLG

(mg/L)

MCL or

TT

Potential Health Effects from Long-

Term Exposure Above the MCL

(unless specified as short-term)

Sources of

Contaminant in

Drinking Water

Cryptosporidium Zero TT

Gastrointestinal illness (such as diarrhea, vomiting, and cramps)

Human and animal fecal waste

Giardia lamblia Zero TT

Human and animal fecal waste

Heterotrophic plate count (HPC) n/a TT

HPC has no health effects; it is an analytic method used to measure the variety of bacteria that are common in water. The lower the concentration of bacteria in drinking water, the better maintained the water system is.

HPC measures a range of bacteria that are naturally present in the environment

Legionella Zero TT

Legionnaire's Disease, a type of pneumonia

Found naturally in water; multiplies in heating systems

Total Coliforms

(including fecal coliform and E.

Coli)

Zero 5.0%

Not a health threat in itself; it is used to indicate whether other potentially harmful bacteria may be present

Coliforms are naturally present in the environment; as well as feces; fecal coliforms and E. coli only come from human and animal fecal waste.

Turbidity n/a TT

Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of water. It is used to indicate water quality and filtration effectiveness (such as whether disease-causing organisms

Soil runoff http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346417 http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#three https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346327 http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#three https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366348 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366348 http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#three https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366318 http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#three https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366208 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366208 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366208 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366208 http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#four http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#five https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346167 http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#three

Microorganisms

Contaminant

Potential Health Effects from Long-

Term Exposure Above the MCL

(unless specified as short-term)

Sources of

Contaminant in

Drinking Water are present). Higher turbidity levels are often associated with higher levels of disease-causing microorganisms such as viruses, parasites and some bacteria.

These organisms can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.

Viruses (enteric) Zero TT

Human and animal fecal waste

Disinfection Byproducts

MCLG1

(mg/L)2

MCL or

TT1

(mg/L)2

Potential Health Effects from

Long-Term Exposure

Above the MCL

(unless specified as short-term)

Sources of

Contaminant in

Drinking Water

Bromate Zero 0.010 Increased risk of cancer Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Chlorite 0.8 1.0 Anemia; infants and young children: nervous system effects

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Haloacetic acids

(HAA5)

n/a

0.060 Increased risk of cancer

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Total

Trihalomethanes

(TTHMs)

--> n/a

0.080

Liver, kidney or central nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Disinfectants

MCL or TT

Potential Health Effects from

Long-Term Exposure

Above the MCL

(unless specified as short-term)

Sources of

Contaminant in

Drinking Water

Chloramines (as

Cl2)

MRDLG=4

MRDL=4.0

Eye/nose irritation; stomach discomfort, anemia

Water additive used to control microbes

Chlorine (as Cl2) MRDLG=4

MRDL=4.0

Eye/nose irritation; stomach discomfort

Water additive used to control microbes

Chlorine dioxide

(as ClO2)

MRDLG=0.8

MRDL=0.8

Anemia; infants and young children: nervous system effects

Water additive used to control microbes http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346137 http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#three http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366518 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346437 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346317 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346317 http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#six https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346187 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346187 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346187 http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#six http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346467 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346467 http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366478 http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346447 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346447 http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one

Inorganic Chemicals

Long-Term Exposure Above the

MCL (unless specified as short-term)

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Antimony 0.006 0.006 Increase in blood cholesterol;

decrease in blood sugar

Discharge from petroleum refineries; fire retardants; ceramics;

electronics; solder

Arsenic 0

0.010 as of

01/23/06

Skin damage or problems with circulatory systems, and may have increased risk of getting cancer

Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards, runoff from glass and electronics production wastes

Asbestos (fiber

> 10 micrometers)

7 million fibers per liter

(MFL)

7 MFL

Increased risk of developing benign intestinal polyps

Decay of asbestos cement in water mains; erosion of natural deposits

Barium 2 2 Increase in blood pressure

Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits

Beryllium 0.004 0.004 Intestinal lesions

Discharge from metal refineries and coal-burning factories;

discharge from electrical, aerospace, and defense industries

Cadmium 0.005 0.005 Kidney damage

Corrosion of galvanized pipes; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from metal refineries; runoff from waste batteries and paints

Chromium

(total)

0.1 0.1 Allergic dermatitis

Discharge from steel and pulp mills; erosion of natural deposits

Copper 1.3

TT

; Action

Level=1.3

Short term exposure:

Gastrointestinal distress

Long term exposure: Liver or kidney damage

People with Wilson's Disease should consult their personal doctor if the amount of copper in their

Corrosion of household plumbing systems;

erosion of natural deposits http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366568 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366558 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366548 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366548 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366548 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346507 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366528 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366508 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366458 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366458 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346427 http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#seven

MCL (unless specified as short-term)

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water water exceeds the action level

Cyanide (as free cyanide)

0.2 0.2 Nerve damage or thyroid problems

Discharge from steel/metal factories;

discharge from plastic and fertilizer factories

Fluoride 4.0 4.0

Bone disease (pain and tenderness of the bones); Children may get mottled teeth

Water additive which promotes strong teeth;

erosion of natural deposits; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories

Lead Zero

TT

; Action

Level=0.015

Infants and children: Delays in physical or mental development;

children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities

Adults: Kidney problems; high blood pressure

Corrosion of household plumbing systems;

erosion of natural deposits

Mercury

(inorganic)

0.002 0.002 Kidney damage

Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from refineries and factories;

runoff from landfills and croplands

Nitrate

(measured as

Nitrogen)

10 10

Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome.

Runoff from fertilizer use; leaking from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits

Nitrite

(measured as

Nitrogen)

1 1

Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrite in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome.

Runoff from fertilizer use; leaking from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits

Selenium 0.05 0.05

Hair or fingernail loss; numbness in fingers or toes; circulatory problems

Discharge from petroleum refineries;

erosion of natural deposits; discharge from mines http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366438 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366438 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346337 http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#seven https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366308 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366308 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346267 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346267 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346267 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346257 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346257 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346257 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346227

MCL (unless specified as short-term)

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Thallium 0.0005 0.002 Hair loss; changes in blood; kidney, intestine, or liver problems

Leaching from ore-processing sites;

discharge from electronics, glass, and drug factories

Organic Chemicals

Potential Health Effects from Long-Term

Exposure Above the

MCL (unless specified as short-term)

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Acrylamide zero TT

Nervous system or blood problems; increased risk of cancer

Added to water during sewage/wastewater treatment

Alachlor zero 0.002

Eye, liver, kidney or spleen problems; anemia;

increased risk of cancer

Runoff from herbicide used on row crops

Atrazine 0.003 0.003 Cardiovascular system or reproductive problems

Runoff from herbicide used on row crops

Benzene zero 0.005

Anemia; decrease in blood platelets; increased risk of cancer

Discharge from factories;

leaching from gas storage tanks and landfills

Benzo(a)pyrene (PAHs) zero 0.0002 Reproductive difficulties;

increased risk of cancer

Leaching from linings of water storage tanks and distribution lines

Carbofuran 0.04 0.04

Problems with blood, nervous system, or reproductive system

Leaching of soil fumigant used on rice and alfalfa

Carbon tetrachloride zero 0.005 Liver problems;

increased risk of cancer

Discharge from chemical plants and other industrial activities

Chlordane zero 0.002

Liver or nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer

Residue of banned termiticide

Chlorobenzene 0.1 0.1 Liver or kidney problems

Discharge from chemical and agricultural chemical factories http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346197 http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346527 http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#eight https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346517 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366538 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346497 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346487 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366498 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366488 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346457 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366468

Exposure Above the

MCL (unless specified as short-term)

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

2,4-D 0.07 0.07 Kidney, liver, or adrenal gland problems

Runoff from herbicide used on row crops

Dalapon 0.2 0.2 Minor kidney changes Runoff from herbicide used on rights of way

1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) zero 0.0002 Reproductive difficulties;

increased risk of cancer

Runoff/leaching from soil fumigant used on soybeans, cotton, pineapples, and orchards o-Dichlorobenzene 0.6 0.6

Liver, kidney, or circulatory system problems

Discharge from industrial chemical factories p-Dichlorobenzene 0.075 0.075

Anemia; liver, kidney or spleen damage; changes in blood

Discharge from industrial chemical factories

1,2-Dichloroethane zero 0.005 Increased risk of cancer Discharge from industrial chemical factories

1,1-Dichloroethylene 0.007 0.007 Liver problems Discharge from industrial chemical factories cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene 0.07 0.07 Liver problems Discharge from industrial chemical factories trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene 0.1 0.1 Liver problems Discharge from industrial chemical factories

Dichloromethane zero 0.005 Liver problems;

increased risk of cancer

Discharge from drug and chemical factories

1,2-Dichloropropane zero 0.005 Increased risk of cancer Discharge from industrial chemical factories

Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate 0.4 0.4

Weight loss, liver problems, or possible reproductive difficulties.

Discharge from chemical factories

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate zero 0.006

Reproductive difficulties;

liver problems; increased risk of cancer

Discharge from rubber and chemical factories

Dinoseb 0.007 0.007 Reproductive difficulties

Runoff from herbicide used on soybeans and vegetables

Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) zero 0.00000003 Reproductive difficulties;

increased risk of cancer

Emissions from waste incineration and other combustion; discharge from chemical factories http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366588 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366418 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346547 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346547 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366288 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366268 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366608 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346557 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366448 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366188 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366408 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366598 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346407 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346397 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346387 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346377

Exposure Above the

MCL (unless specified as short-term)

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Diquat 0.02 0.02 Cataracts Runoff from herbicide use

Endothall 0.1 0.1 Stomach and intestinal problems

Runoff from herbicide use

Endrin 0.002 0.002 Liver problems Residue of banned insecticide

Epichlorohydrin zero TT

Increased cancer risk, and over a long period of time, stomach problems

Discharge from industrial chemical factories; an impurity of some water treatment chemicals

Ethylbenzene 0.7 0.7 Liver or kidneys problems

Discharge from petroleum refineries

Ethylene dibromide zero 0.00005

Problems with liver, stomach, reproductive system, or kidneys;

increased risk of cancer

Discharge from petroleum refineries

Glyphosate 0.7 0.7 Kidney problems;

reproductive difficulties

Runoff from herbicide use

Heptachlor zero 0.0004 Liver damage; increased risk of cancer

Residue of banned termiticide

Heptachlor epoxide zero 0.0002 Liver damage; increased risk of cancer Breakdown of heptachlor

Hexachlorobenzene zero 0.001

Liver or kidney problems; reproductive difficulties; increased risk of cancer

Discharge from metal refineries and agricultural chemical factories

Hexachlorocyclopentadiene 0.05 0.05 Kidney or stomach problems

Discharge from chemical factories

Lindane 0.0002 0.0002 Liver or kidney problems

Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cattle, lumber, gardens

Methoxychlor 0.04 0.04 Reproductive difficulties

Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on fruits, vegetables, alfalfa, livestock

Oxamyl (Vydate) 0.2 0.2 Slight nervous system effects

Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on apples, potatoes, and tomatoes http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346367 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366398 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346357 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346347 http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#eight https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366388 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366378 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366358 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346307 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346297 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366338 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346287 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346277 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366298 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366278

Exposure Above the

MCL (unless specified as short-term)

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Polychlorinated biphenyls

(PCBs) zero 0.0005

Skin changes; thymus gland problems; immune deficiencies; reproductive or nervous system difficulties; increased risk of cancer

Runoff from landfills;

discharge of waste chemicals

Pentachlorophenol zero 0.001

Liver or kidney problems; increased cancer risk

Discharge from wood preserving factories

Picloram 0.5 0.5 Liver problems Herbicide runoff

Simazine 0.004 0.004 Problems with blood Herbicide runoff

Styrene 0.1 0.1

Liver, kidney, or circulatory system problems

Discharge from rubber and plastic factories;

leaching from landfills

Tetrachloroethylene zero 0.005 Liver problems;

increased risk of cancer

Discharge from factories and dry cleaners

Toluene 1 1 Nervous system, kidney, or liver problems

Discharge from petroleum factories

Toxaphene zero 0.003

Kidney, liver, or thyroid problems; increased risk of cancer

Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cotton and cattle

2,4,5-TP (Silvex) 0.05 0.05 Liver problems Residue of banned herbicide

1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 0.07 0.07 Changes in adrenal glands

Discharge from textile finishing factories

1,1,1-Trichloroethane 0.20 0.2 Liver, nervous system, or circulatory problems

Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories

1,1,2-Trichloroethane 0.003 0.005 Liver, kidney, or immune system problems

Discharge from industrial chemical factories

Trichloroethylene zero 0.005 Liver problems;

increased risk of cancer

Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories

Vinyl chloride zero 0.002 Increased risk of cancer

Leaching from PVC pipes; discharge from plastic factories

Xylenes (total) 10 10 Nervous system damage

Discharge from petroleum factories;

discharge from chemical http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366248 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366248 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366258 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346237 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346217 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366228 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346207 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366218 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366198 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346537 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366618 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346567 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366628 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346177 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346147 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366178

Exposure Above the

MCL (unless specified as short-term)

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water factories

Radionuclides

Exposure Above the

MCL (unless specified as short-term)

Sources of Contaminant in

Drinking Water

Alpha particles none

----- zero

15 picocuries per Liter

(pCi/L)

Increased risk of cancer

Erosion of natural deposits of certain minerals that are radioactive and may emit a form of radiation known as alpha radiation

Beta particles and photon emitters none

----- zero

4 millirems per year Increased risk of cancer

Decay of natural and man-made deposits of certain minerals that are radioactive and may emit forms of radiation known as photons and beta radiation

Radium 226 and

Radium 228

(combined) none

----- zero 5 pCi/L Increased risk of cancer Erosion of natural deposits

Uranium Zero 30 ug/L as of

12/08/03

Increased risk of cancer, kidney toxicity Erosion of natural deposits

Definitions:

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) - The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety and are non-enforceable public health goals.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) - The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology and taking cost into consideration. MCLs are enforceable standards.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) - The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#one http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#two https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366578 http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#seven https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346477 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346477 http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#seven https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366238 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366238 https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202366238 http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants#seven https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/202346157

Treatment Technique (TT) - A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) - The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.

Units are in milligrams per liter (mg/L) unless otherwise noted. Milligrams per liter are equivalent to parts per million (PPM).

EPA's surface water treatment rules require systems using surface water or ground water under the direct influence of surface water to

Disinfect their water, and

Filter their water, or

Meet criteria for avoiding filtration so that the following contaminants are controlled at the following levels:

Cryptosporidium: Unfiltered systems are required to include Cryptosporidium in their existing watershed control provisions

Giardia lamblia: 99.9% removal/inactivation.

Viruses: 99.99% removal/inactivation.

Legionella: No limit, but EPA believes that if Giardia and viruses are removed/inactivated, according to the treatment techniques in the Surface Water Treatment Rule, Legionella will also be controlled.

Turbidity: For systems that use conventional or direct filtration, at no time can turbidity

(cloudiness of water) go higher than 1 Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU), and samples for turbidity must be less than or equal to 0.3 NTUs in at least 95 percent of the samples in any month. Systems that use filtration other than the conventional or direct filtration must follow state limits, which must include turbidity at no time exceeding 5 NTUs.

Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC): No more than 500 bacterial colonies per milliliter.

Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment: Surface water systems or groundwater under the direct influence (GWUDI) systems serving fewer than 10,000 people must comply with the applicable Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule provisions (such as turbidity standards, individual filter monitoring, Cryptosporidium removal requirements, updated watershed control requirements for unfiltered systems).

Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule: This rule applies to all surface water systems or ground water systems under the direct influence of surface water. The rule targets additional Cryptosporidium treatment requirements for higher risk systems and includes provisions to reduce risks from uncovered finished water storage facilities and to ensure that the systems maintain microbial protection as they take steps to reduce the formation of disinfection byproducts.

Filter Backwash Recycling: This rule requires systems that recycle to return specific recycle flows through all processes of the system's existing conventional or direct filtration system or at an alternate location approved by the state.

No more than 5.0% samples total coliform-positive (TC-positive) in a month. (For water systems that collect fewer than 40 routine samples per month, no more than one sample can be total coliform-positive per month.) Every sample that has total coliform must be analyzed for either fecal coliforms or E. coli if two consecutive TC-positive samples, and one is also positive for E.coli fecal coliforms, system has an acute MCL violaton.

Fecal coliform and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Disease-causing microbes (pathogens) in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. These pathogens may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune systems.

Although there is no collective MCLG for this contaminant group, there are individual MCLGs for some of the individual contaminants:

Trihalomethanes: bromodichloromethane (zero); bromoform (zero); dibromochloromethane

(0.06 mg/L): chloroform (0.07 mg/L.

Haloacetic acids: dichloroacetic acid (zero); trichloroacetic acid (0.02 mg/L); monochloroacetic acid (0.07mg/L). Bromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid are regulated with this group but have no MCLGs.

Lead and copper are regulated by a treatment technique that requires systems to control the corrosiveness of their water. If more than 10% of tap water samples exceed the action level, water systems must take additional steps. For copper, the action level is 1.3 mg/L, and for lead is 0.015 mg/L.

Each water system must certify, in writing, to the state (using third-party or manufacturer's certification) that when acrylamide and epichlorohydrin are used to treat water, the combination (or product) of dose and monomer level does not exceed the levels specified, as follows:

Acrylamide = 0.05% dosed at 1 mg/L (or equivalent)

Epichlorohydrin = 0.01% dosed at 20 mg/L (or equivalent)

Appendix B: EPA Secondary Drinking Water Standards

The Secondary Drinking Water Standards are non-enforceable guidelines regulating contaminants that may cause cosmetic effects (such as skin or tooth discoloration) or aesthetic effects (such as taste, odor, or color) in drinking water. Compliance with the secondary maximum contaminant levels is recommended, but not mandatory. These contaminants are not considered a risk to human health but levels above these standards may cause people to stop using the public water system although it may be safe to drink.

Water internal to a building should be sampled if complaints are registered about water quality or appearance. Sampling may also be warranted when problems occur within a building’s plumbing and water distribution system. The values in these tables are the contaminant levels against which such samples should be evaluated. Testing should be done for contaminants relevant to the nature of the occupant complaint or problem in the water system as noted in Sections (c) and (e) of this guidance document. Refer to Appendix A, EPA Primary Drinking Water Standards.

Contaminant Secondary MCL Noticeable Effects above the

Secondary MCL

Aluminum 0.05 to 0.2 mg/L* colored water

Chloride 250 mg/L salty taste

Color 15 color units visible tint

Copper 1.0 mg/L metallic taste; blue-green staining

Corrosivity Non-corrosive metallic…