Drinking Water Safety and Protection
(and the Virginia Master Well Owner Network)
Erin James Ling, M.S.
Virginia Tech
Biological Systems Engineering
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Photo credit: Va Department of Health Office of Drinking Water
Where does your water come from?





Public or private supply? Bottled?
Groundwater? Surface water? Both?
Who manages your water system and water
quality?
Is there a source water protection plan in
place for your water supply?
What do you know about your water quality?
2
Today’s Presentation
• Public vs. Private Water Supplies
• Drinking Water Regulations
• Source Water Protection
• How to care for private water systems
• Well location, protection, and construction
• Well maintenance and care
• Water testing – What’s in your water?
• Dealing with water problems
• Virginia Household Water Quality Program
• Virginia Master Well Owner Network
3
Public vs. Private Water Supplies
PUBLIC SYSTEMS:

Community water systems may
be run by local government,
PSA, HOA or private company

Considered public system if
serving more than 15 service
connections/25 people more than
60 days of the year

Non-community systems:
◦ Transient (e.g. campground)
◦ Non-transient (e.g. school or
restaurant)

PRIVATE SYSTEMS:

Wells are considered private if
they serve fewer than 25 people

Water well construction,
location and application
regulations vary from state to
state (monitoring generally NOT
required)

Owner is responsible for
maintenance, routine water
testing, dealing with problems
Regulated under Safe
Drinking Water Act
4
Public vs. Private Supplies in Va
PUBLIC SYSTEMS

38 of Virginia’s 95 counties
completely reliant on groundwater;
55 counties draw more than half of
supply from groundwater

Of Virginia’s 2,900 public supplies,
more than 2,300 rely on
groundwater; many are small and
remote with no alternative to
groundwater

80% of Virginia’s population relied
on public water supplies in 2008

Monitoring of water quality required
at the treatment plant; lead and
copper levels must be monitored
from tap water samples throughout
community
PRIVATE SYSTEMS

Majority of households in 60 of
Virginia’s 95 counties rely on private
water supply systems
(> 1,500,000 households)

In 52 counties, the number of
households using private wells is
increasing faster than the number
connecting to public systems

Homeowners relying on private water
supplies:
 Are responsible for all aspects of water
system management
 Often lack knowledge and resources to
effectively manage
 Usually don’t worry about maintenance
until problems arise
5
Safe Drinking Water Act



Passed by Congress in 1974 to protect public health by
regulating the nation’s public water supply
Authorized EPA to set health-based drinking water standards to
protect against natural and man-made contaminants
Original focus on treatment to create safe water; 1996
amendments included
◦ Source water protection efforts including surface water systems
◦ Evaluation of susceptibility to contamination
◦ Operator training
◦ Funding for water system improvements
◦ Increased public information
6
EPA Drinking Water Standards
Primary Standards
Secondary Standards
• Also called Maximum
Contaminant Level (MCL)
• Cause health problems
• Enforced for public systems
• 80+ contaminants, including


o
Nitrate
o
Lead
o
Coliform bacteria

o
Most organic chemicals and
pesticides


Also called SMCL or RMCL
Cause aesthetic problems:
o
Staining
o
Taste
o
Odor
Can naturally occur in
ground water
States can choose to
enforce
About 15, including:
o
Iron
o
pH
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/index.html
7
Consumer Confidence Reports

SDWA requires all
community water
systems to provide
annual reports
about the water
they distribute
From Town of Blacksburg 2008 Report
8
Virginia Drinking Water Regs
• Virginia maintains “primacy” to regulate public
drinking water supplies
•
•

Virginia Water Control Law (1992) / Virginia Water Control Board
Virginia Waterworks Regulations (1995)
Virginia Department of Health Office of Drinking Water
◦ Monitors drinking water quality
◦ Provides technical assistance
◦ Finances improvements and seeks funding
◦ Enforces drinking water regulations for Virginia Public Water Supply
Law and Safe Drinking Water Act
◦ Central office and 6 field offices
◦ Source Water Assessment Program (required by SDWA)
9
Virginia Drinking Water Regs
• Virginia maintains “primacy” to regulate public
drinking water supplies
•
•

Virginia Water Control Law (1992) / Virginia Water Control Board
Virginia Waterworks Regulations (1995)
Virginia Department of Health Office of Drinking Water
10
Source Water Protection


Basic concepts apply to public and private sources;
consider interaction between the two
Groundwater systems: Wellhead Protection
◦ Understand of groundwater flow to determine recharge areas;
complex in Virginia due to geology
• Surface water systems: Watershed Protection

Three basic steps:
1. Delineate assessment boundaries of a drinking water source
2. Perform inventory of land use activities
3. Determine relative susceptibility of the drinking water source
to these activities; may include contingency plans or
conservation measures to ensure adequate supply

Community involvement essential for success
11
Land use-related Contaminant
Sources
Common Land use-related Contaminants
Agriculture
Nutrients
Bacteria
Pesticides
Herbicides
Sediment
Mining
Iron
Manganese
pH
Sediment
Chemicals
Residential
Development
Bacteria
Nutrients
Sediment
Pesticides
Herbicides
Chemicals
Oil
Roads
Chlorides
Industry or Landfill
Hydrocarbons
VOC’s
Travel-time example
http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/pesticidesgw.html
14
Contaminant Source Proximity –
How close is too close?

Be concerned about
land uses and potential
contaminate sources
visible from home

In situations where
groundwater travel-times
are shorter, activities
further away may impact
water quality
◦ Fractured bedrock
◦ Limestone geology
(karst)
◦ Gravel aquifers that
transmit water easily
How does water move to a well?
(Bedrock/drilled well)





In this part of Virginia, groundwater
moves through fractures, or cracks
in the bedrock
Water can come from many
different directions, depths, and
sources into one well
It can take water hours, days, or
years to move through bedrock
Well casing extends through loose
“overburden” and into the bedrock,
where an “open” borehole
continues underground
Water can come from any fractures
that intersect the open borehole
16
How does water move to a well?
(Shallow/bored well)




In the Virginia coastal plain,
shallow wells drilled in sandy
soils are common
Because of shorter travel time,
water is more susceptible to
contamination
Well casing extends to bottom
of well to below saturated zone
Well screen filters sediment
from water
17

Well should be at least:
◦ 5 feet from property boundary
◦ 10 feet from building foundation
(50 feet if
termite treated)
◦ 50 feet from road
◦ 50 feet from sewers and septic tanks
◦ 100 feet from pastures, on-lot sewage system drainfields,
cesspools or barnyards
Photo credit: Swistock, Penn State Univ
Proper private well
location
Upslope from potential contamination
 Not in an area that receives runoff

18
Proper private well construction

Contract a licensed driller:
◦ Valid Class A, B or C contractor license with WWP
(Water Well and Pump) classification
Well casing
◦ Minimum of 20’ for bored, 50 – 100’ deep
for drilled, depending on class of well
◦ Extends 12” above ground



12”
Photo credits: SAIF Water Wells ; Penn State University

Grouting to a minimum of 20’
Sanitary well cap or sealed concrete cover
Ground slopes away from well
19
The Finished Product – Drilled Well
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/environment/06-117.htm
20
The Finished Product – Bored Well
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/environment/06-117.htm
21
Private Well Maintenance Tips



Do not use fertilizers, pesticides, oil, or paint
around well
Keep area around well clean and accessible
Keep careful records
◦ original contract, water test results and any
maintenance or repair information

Every year:
◦ Conduct thorough visual inspection of well
◦ Check cap for cracks, wear and tear, tightness

Every 10 years have well inspected by a qualified
professional (with WWP classification)
22
Private Water Supply Regulations
• Virginia Private Well Regs
o Specify application, inspection and
construction requirements
o No requirements for maintenance or
water testing after construction of well
– responsibility of the owner!
• EPA National Drinking
Water Standards
o Apply to PUBLIC systems
o Primary (health) and Secondary
(nuisance)
o Can be used as guidance for
private systems to know “how
much is too much”
23
Testing water quality

Why test?
◦
◦
◦
◦

Protect family’s health and safety
Many contaminants undetectable by human senses
Preventive measures often more effective and less expensive
Legal protection
When to test?
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
Routine tests every 1-3 years
Pregnant woman or infant in the home
Recurring gastrointestinal illness
Change in taste, appearance, odor of water
Any services or repairs are done
24
What should I test for?
Public and private water supply users should
consider testing for metals
 Private supply users:

◦ Every year test for coliform bacteria
 Indicates possible contamination from human or animal waste
◦ Every three years test:
 pH (secondary std: 6.5 – 8.5)
 Total Dissolved Solids (TDS; secondary std 500 mg/L)
 Other contaminants based on local land uses and water condition
Residential
Development
Bacteria
Nitrates
Sediment
Lawn Chemicals
25
How do I test my water?


Participate in a VAHWQP drinking water clinic
(private water supply users)
Choose a certified laboratory
◦ List available at
http://www.vdh.state.va.us/DrinkingWater/laboratories/

Use containers provided and follow directions
◦ Sample bottles often contain fixers- do not rinse
◦ Be aware of time requirements to get samples to lab
26
Understanding test results

Most results provided as concentrations:
◦ mg/L (milligrams per liter) ≈ ppm (parts per million)
◦ µg/L = (micrograms per liter) ≈ ppb (parts per billion)

Other units unique to test
◦ Bacteria
◦ Radon, hardness, pH

1 ppm = about 4
drops in a 55
gallon barrel!
Compare to EPA standards:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/index.html
27
Sources of contamination
or issues of concern
well
Surface water contamination: nitrate, bacteria
Source may be plumbing
materials or existing water
treatment device:
sodium
copper
lead
bacteria
Where the condition or
contaminant comes from affects
how we can deal with it!
Water moves via fractures
or cracks in bedrock
Some contaminants are found in
groundwater naturally, and
some are there due human
activities.
TDS
iron
hardness
28
Options for problem water
1. If possible, control the source of pollution
◦ Divert runoff from well, maintain septic system
2. Improve maintenance of water system
◦ Install sanitary well cap, slope the ground
3. Treat the water to reduce contaminant
concentration
◦ Match the treatment option to the pollutant
◦ Consult a professional
4. Develop a new source of water
◦ Deeper well, develop spring, connect to
public water
29
http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/septic-tank-cleaning-1.jpg, http://www.shipewelldrilling.com/Pictures/well_drilling_rig.jpg, http://www.clearflow.ca/REVERSE_OSMOSIS2.jpg
Home Treatment Considerations
Be sure to explore ALL of your options
 Always have water tested by a certified lab
 Be aware of dishonest businesses – look for NSF
(National Sanitation Foundation) and WQA (Water
Quality Association) certifications, consult BBB
 If it sounds too good to be true…it probably is!
 Point of Use (POU) vs. Point of Entry (POE)
 Weigh benefits and limitations of device

◦ Cost
◦ Maintenance
◦ Warranty
30
What is the VAHWQP?
Established in 1989
 County-based Drinking Water Clinics





Coordinated with local Extension Agents
Kickoff Meeting
Homeowners collect sample; samples analyzed at VT lab
Interpretation Meeting: test results and advice for dealing with
water problems provided
• The Virginia Master Well Owner Network
31
Virginia Master Well Owner Network
(VAMWON)

Includes extension agents and volunteers
Training workshops across VA
• Groundwater hydrology
• Proper well location,
•
•
•
•
•
construction and maintenance
Land use impacts and wellhead
protection
Water testing and interpretation
Solving water problems
Education and outreach ideas
Water conservation
VAMWON volunteer outreach:
 Fairs
and home shows
 Speak to church or civic groups
 One-on-one conversations with
neighbors and friends
 Write an article for local paper
 Help with drinking water clinic
32
VAMWON Volunteer Policy

Qualifications:
◦ Attend VAMWON training and achieve 80% on post-test
◦ Agree to a goal of making 100 educational contacts annually
◦ Communicate effectively and diplomatically
◦ Not work or own a business affiliated with private water systems
◦ Option to recertify after two years

Guidelines:
◦ Unpaid, volunteer work only
◦ Provide general educational information
◦ Do not give professional advice or make specific recommendations
◦ Refer specific questions to qualified professional
33
VAMWON Responsibilities
 VAMWON Agents
◦ Conduct county-based drinking water clinics
◦ Educate local private water system owners
 VAMWON
Volunteers
◦ Assist VAMWON agents with drinking water clinics
◦ Outreach to church, service, and civic organizations
◦ Staff VAMWON booth at fairs, clinics, ag and home shows
◦ Maintain water system as a good practices demonstration site
◦ Contribute to VAHWQP newsletter and website
◦ Assist with evaluating program impacts
34
Building Capacity through VAMWON
• Agents conduct county-based
drinking water clinics
• Agents better informed to address
water quality concerns
Sustaining relationships:
building capacity to
improve water quality
Virginia Master
Well Owner
VCE Agents
Private Water
System Owners
Virginia Master
Well Owner
Volunteers
• Community-based outreach
• Peer-to-peer education
• Develop relationships through
collaborative education and
outreach
• Continuing VAMWON training
opportunities
• Share innovative education
delivery methods
35
Interested in learning more?
Come to a drinking water clinic
 Join Virginia Master Well Owner Network!

◦ Learn more about your own water system and how to
protect your water quality and share info with others
◦ Receive 7 hours MG continuing education credits
◦ Apply today at: www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu or call Erin
◦ At VAMWON training workshop:
 Free water conservation devices for home and garden
 Resource binder
 Reduced cost of sample analysis (when a drinking water clinic
is held in your county)
36
Upcoming Events in 2010

41 VAMWON agents, 32 volunteers trained so far

VAMWON Training Workshops
◦ Volunteer: Aug 28 (Giles Co) and Oct 30 (Charlottesville)
◦ VCE Agent: Oct 29-30 (Charlottesville)

Drinking Water Clinics
◦ 10 counties scheduled for 2010
◦ 1200 participants during 2009 
= 2010 drinking water clinic
= 2010 Vol VAMWON workshop
= 2010 Agt VAMWON workshop
37
VAMWON Training Workshop
August 28, 2010 9 am – 4 pm
Giles County
OR
October 30, 2010 9 am – 4 pm
Charlottesville
Visit www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu
Or contact Erin Ling
540-231-9058 / wellwater@vt.edu
38
Erin James Ling
Virginia Household Water Quality Program
Virginia Master Well Owner Network
Website:
www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu
Email: wellwater@vt.edu
Ph: 540-231-9058
39
Resources


Private Water Supply Protection in VA: www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu
Office of Drinking Water Source Water Protection:
http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/drinkingwater/source/swpp.htm


Virginia Department of Health: www.vdh.state.va.us
EPA SafeWater/Drinking Water Regulations:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/index.html



Virginia Rural Water Association: http://vrwa.org/index.php
Virginia Cooperative Extension Offices: www.ext.vt.edu
National Groundwater Association Well Owner:
http://www.wellowner.org/


National Sanitation Foundation: www.nsf.org
Water Quality Association: www.wqa.org
40
Conserve water!
Protect your water quantity and quality
 Reduce the load to septic or sewer
system
 Save $$$$
 Save ENERGY used to move or heat
water
 Protect resources for future generations
 Little effort produces significant results

41
Where is water used in the home?
69-100 gallons/person/day
42
Ways to conserve INDOORS

Toilets
◦ Check for leaks by putting food coloring in tank
◦ Reduce number of flushes per day
 1 less flush per person/day in US  would save enough
water to create a lake one sq. mile 4 ft deep every day!
◦ Toilets made before 1993  3-8 gallons per
flush; newer toilets use 1.6 gpf
◦ Improved toilets can save a family 14,000-17,000
gallons per year
◦ Install toilet tummy or 2 liter bottles in tank

Turn off water when brushing teeth or
shaving!
43
Ways to conserve INDOORS

Shower and Bath
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦

Reduce time spent in shower – get a timer!
Install low-flow shower head – 2.5 gpm or less
Bathe small kids together
Reconsider baths – 50 or more gallons!
Consider collecting water for plants, etc.
Houseplants
◦ Collect water from washing produce, cooking, or
cleaning fish tank to water plants
◦ Put discarded ice cubes in a plant rather
than the sink
44
Ways to conserve INDOORS

Kitchen
◦ Dishwashers
 New ones work! Don’t pre-wash dishes
 Run only when full
◦ Faucets
 Fix Leaks! One drip per second  2,700 gal/year
 Install low-flow faucet aerators
 Turn it off when not in use (washing dishes)
◦ Consider composting rather than garbage disposal
◦ Use as little water as possible when cooking
45
Ways to conserve INDOORS

Laundry
◦ Consider purchasing energy efficient model
(23 gallons per load compared to 40)
◦ Use cold setting whenever possible
◦ Pre-treat stains to avoid re-washing
◦ Only wash full loads, or adjust load size
setting
46
Ways to conserve OUTSIDE

Xeriscape – landscape in ways that do not
require irrigation
◦ Plant species appropriate to your area (native), in
practical areas of the yard
◦ Use mulch, manure and compost
◦ Group plants by water need
◦ If watering is necessary, do so in the morning
hours
◦ Harvest rainwater using a cistern
47
Ways to conserve OUTSIDE





Check for leaks – hoses, etc.
Use the broom instead of hose to clean
Install fewer impermeable surfaces
Take the car to a carwash that recycles
water
Install backflow protector on all outdoor
faucets and use backflow practices
48
Achieving Water Conservation

Changes in Habits
◦ Little or no additional cost
◦ Quick effect
◦ Often temporary

Water saving appliances or fixtures
◦
◦
◦
◦
Can be expensive
Most are easily installed
Very effective
Often permanent
49
Effect of Water Conservation
25
Without Conservation
20
With Conservation
15
10
5
0
Toilet
Washer
Shower
Faucets
Dishwasher
Normal use = 68 gallons per day per person
Conservation use = 38 gallons per day per person
50
Photo credits: www.water-research.net, www.britannica.com
Coliform Bacteria

Cannot be smelled, tasted or seen

Coliform bacteria is an indicator
organism – means diseasecausing bacteria may be present

Public standard is 0 colony
forming units(cfu)/100 mL
(ABSENT)

If present, test for fecal coliform or
E. coli presence – indicator that
sewage or animal waste is
present.
51
If Coliform Bacteria are PRESENT
Don’t panic!
 Recommend RETEST

◦ To use VT lab, cost is $9 + overnight shipping
 Samples MUST be sent overnight for test to work
 Contact Hope White 540-231-4334 to have a kit mailed
◦ To use a local certified lab – email ejames@vt.edu for
a list

Examine well or spring

Consider shock chlorination

Long term treatment: ozonation, UV light,
continuous chlorination
52
http://www.kimicontrol.com/microorg/escherichia_coli.jpg
If E. Coli Bacteria are PRESENT






Take immediate steps to address
Shock chlorinate
Retest water
In the meantime, consider boiling or use
another source of water for drinking or
cooking
Check for potential contamination sources
Consider long-term treatment options: UV
light, ozonation, continuous disinfection
53
http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/images-water-quality/chemicals/water%20in%20reddish-brown.jpg
Iron and Manganese




Nuisance - not health concern
SMCL: Iron = 0.3 mg/L
Manganese = 0.05 mg/L
Red-brown/black staining, particles,
metallic taste
Treatment depends on type/form of iron
◦ Ferrous: water initially clear  orange-brown
or black solid particles
◦ Ferric: solid particles apparent immediately,
or water has a tint
◦ Iron bacteria: not a health concern; feed on Fe and Mn,
forming red-brown or black-brown slime

Treatment: water softener, aeration and filtration,
ozonation, distillation
54
www.goodcleanwater.com/fyi.htm
Hardness

Hard water contains high levels of
calcium and magnesium ions
◦ Dissolved into water during contact with limestone,
other minerals

Not a health risk – nuisance
◦ Decreased cleaning action of soaps, detergents
◦ Scale build-up in pipes and on appliances
◦ Reduced efficiency and lifespan of water heaters


No EPA standard for public systems
Treat using water softener
Hardness Rating
Grains per Gallon
mg/L
Less than 1.0
Less than 17.1
Slightly Hard
1.0-3.5
17.1-60
Moderately Hard
3.5-7.0
60-120
Hard
7.0-10.5
120-180
Over 10.5
Over 180
Soft
Very Hard
55
Conditions or nearby activities of concern
Conditions or Nearby Activities
Test for:
Recurring gastro-intestinal illness
Coliform bacteria
Household plumbing contains lead
pH, lead, copper
Radon in indoor air
Radon
Corrosion of pipes and plumbing
Corrosivity, pH, lead
Nearby areas of intensive agriculture
Nitrate, pesticides, coliform bacteria
Coal or other mining operations
Metals, pH, corrosivity
Dump, junkyard or landfill
VOCs, TDS, pH, sulfate, chloride, metals
Odor of gasoline or fuel oil
VOCs
Objectionable taste or smell of water
Hydrogen sulfide, corrosivity, metals
Stained plumbing fixtures or laundry
Iron, copper, manganese
Salty taste
Chloride, TDS, sodium
Scaly residues, soaps don’t lather
Hardness
Rapid wear of water equipment
pH, corrosivity
Water is cloudy, frothy or colored
Colors, detergents
Adapted from “Drinking Water for Household Wells”, EPA, 2002
56
General Water Quality Indicators
Indicator
Acceptable
Limit
Indication
Coliform
bacteria
< I coliform/100
ml
Possible bacterial or viral
contamination from human or
animal waste
pH
6.5 to 8.5
Important overall measure of water
quality; pH can alter corrosivitiy
and solubility of contaminants.
Low pH: pitting of pipes and
fixtures, metallic taste
High pH: water has slippery feel,
soda taste
Total dissolved
solids
500 mg/L
Dissolved metals, like iron or
manganese; hardness; salty, bitter
taste or staining.
57
Opportunities for PARTNERSHIPS
Train: 70 agents and 240 volunteers
Build Capacity:
• Agents conduct county drinking water clinics
• Agents and volunteers make educational contacts
• Establish relationships
•
•
•
•
•
DEQ, VDH, VASWCD, EPA, ?
Expanded programming (septic, etc.)
Information sharing
Joint grant- writing opportunities
Continuing education for VAMWON
Revitalized!
Resources
•
•
•
•
•
Website
Newsletter
Water Quality Resource Expert Panel
Updated VCE water quality publications
VAHWQP Coordinator
o Needs assessment and scheduling of clinics
o Targeted programming for underserved
populations
o Support for agents and volunteers
By 2010
•
•
•
•
5,400 + water samples analyzed
1,100+ underserved persons reached
18+ drinking water clinics conducted
Establish capacity to continue
providing drinking water clinics,
education and outreach through
VAMWON.
58
SAMPLE Test Report
Household Water
Sample
Maximum or Recommended
Level or Range
0.02
0.3
<0.001
0.05
Hardness (mg/L)
44.5
180
Sulfate (mg/L)
2.066
250
Chloride (mg/L)
30
250
Fluoride (mg/L)
< 0.1
2.0
Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L)
102
500
6.2**
6.5 to 8.5
-2.98 **
-1 to 1
Copper (mg/L)
0.04
1.0
Sodium (mg/L)
7.8
20
4
10
PRESENT**
ABSENT
ABSENT
ABSENT
Test
Iron (mg/L)
Manganese (mg/L)
pH
Saturation Index
Nitrate-N (mg/L)
Total Coliform Bacteria
E. Coli Bacteria
** measured value exceeds recommendation for household water
59

Corrosive (aggressive) water
◦ Corrodes metal in plumbing,
causing damage, pitting
◦ Leaching of copper or lead into
drinking water is a health concern!
◦ EPA recommends drinking water be
non-corrosive
◦ Treat using acid neutralizing filter (with calcite or
calcite/corosex blend) or soda ash injection

Scaling water
◦ Contains high levels of minerals
◦ Forms scale on inside of pipes and appliances,
lime deposits on shower heads and taps
◦ Can lead to clogging of pipes, reduces
efficiency of water heaters and appliances
◦ Treat using water softener, if necessary
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http://www.bushman.cc/photos/Copper_Water_Pipe_Corrosion.jpg; www.watersoftening.org/effects_of_hard_water.htm
Corrosive and Scaling Water
Corrosive Water: Metals of
concern

Lead
◦ Many serious health effects, esp in children and infants
 Developmental, neurological, reproductive and renal
◦ EPA MCL is 0 µg/L with a health action level of 15 µg/L.
◦ Sources include:
 Pipes in older homes (pre-1930)
 Solder in homes built prior to 1986
 “Lead-free” brass fixtures (<8%) – even in NEW homes!

Copper
◦ High levels can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps; infants
and children particularly sensitive
◦ EPA MCL is 1.3 mg/L
◦ Nuisance effects noticeable at 1.0 mg/L
http://www.gravitaexim.com/images/Lead-pipe.jpg
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http://wi.water.usgs.gov/pubs/FS-221-95/p2.gif
Nitrate (NO3-N)

Serious health concern for infants
◦ Methemoglobinemia or “blue baby syndrome”
 Nitrate becomes nitrite in digestive system, forms methemoglobin rather
than hemoglobin (does not carry oxygen)
 EPA MCL 10 mg/L NO3-N (nitrate nitrogen) or 45 mg/L of NO3 (nitrate)
 If levels approach 3-5 mg/L, use another source of water for infants under
6 months

Sources include fertilizer, animal manure, sewage

NO3 dissolves and moves easily through soil

Test in spring months; levels change over time

BOILING INCREASES concentration of nitrates!!!

Treatment: distillation, reverse osmosis, ion exchange
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http://www.cotrip.org/winterdriving/images/pic6.jpg
Sodium and Chloride

Low levels occur naturally

Higher levels usually from
man-made source
◦ Road salt storage or application
◦ Industrial waste
◦ Sewage, fertilizers or animal waste
◦ In coastal areas, salt water intrusion

Sodium: EPA MCL for people on low-sodium diets: 20 mg/L

Chloride: EPA SMCL of 250 mg/L

Higher levels may indicate contamination – test for bacteria
or other contaminants

Salty taste; and may accelerate corrosion of
pipes and water heaters

Treat using distillation, reverse osmosis, demineralization
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Fluoride

Occurs naturally in varying levels
◦ Naturally high levels of F in E. Virginia groundwater


Added to many public water systems for reduced
dental caries and strong teeth and bones
Health concerns:
◦ Long term exposure: links to bone cancer
◦ Shorter term exposure: dental or skeletal fluorosis



EPA MCL 4.0 mg/L and SMCL 2.0 mg/L
Optimum levels for public systems 0.8 - 1.2 mg/L
Limited use for children up to 8 years
http://www.willamettedental.com/en_us/ALL/patients/pps/retailproducts_prettysmile.gif; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_fluorosis
64
thepipelinefixation.blogspot.com
Hydrogen Sulfide






Colorless gas; rotten egg smell
Not regulated by EPA – people can detect low
levels
Naturally present in shale, sandstone, near coal or
oil fields
Sulfur-reducing bacteria produce (not a health risk)
Treatment depends on concentration, so must test
Only noticeable in hot water?
◦ Bacteria could be thriving in your water heater
◦ Sulfates may be converted to H2S chemically in your water heater
during a reaction with your magnesium corrosion control rod
65
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)




Water is a great solvent – dissolves many compounds
as it travels over and under ground
TDS is a measure of all dissolved impurities < 2µm dia
Natural sources: limestone, salt deposits, other minerals
Man-made sources:
◦ Septic systems and sewage
◦ Run off from agricultural or urban land
◦ Road salt, industrial sources



General indicator of water quality;
test at least every three years
EPA SMCL is 500 mg/L
Treat using distillation or reverse osmosis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_dissolved_solids
66
Spring Management Tips
Make sure spring box is sealed to prevent
insects, animals, and surface water from
entering
 Fence livestock out of stream catchment
area
 Disinfect springs after construction and test
annually for bacteria

67
Cistern Management Tips
Make sure cistern is constructed properly to
ensure it is the proper size to meet your
water demands. A minimum of 5,000
gallons is recommended.
 All cisterns require treatment. Most rely on
rainwater that can be extremely corrosive to
plumbing systems
 Water should be disinfected before it is
consumed

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