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Link to an amendment published at 65 FR 76749, December 7, 2000.
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Traditional MCL To convert for Major sources in Health effects
Contaminant (units) in mg/L CCR, multiply by MCL in CCR units MCLG drinking water language
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Microbiological contaminants:
Total Coliform Bacteria.... MCL: (systems ................. MCL: (systems 0................. Naturally present in Coliforms are
that collect that collect the environment. bacteria that are
>=40 samples/ >=40 samples/ naturally present
month) 5% of month) 5% of in the environment
monthly samples monthly samples and are used as an
are positive; are positive; indicator that
(systems that (systems that other, potentially-
collect <40 collect <40 harmful, bacteria
samples/month) 1 samples/month) 1 may be present.
positive monthly positive monthly Coliforms were
sample. sample. found in more
samples than
allowed and this
was a warning of
potential problems.
Fecal coliform and E. coli. 0................ ................. 0................ 0................. Human and animal Fecal coliforms and
fecal waste. E. coli are
bacteria whose
presence indicates
that the water may
be contaminated
with human or
animal wastes.
Microbes in these
wastes can cause
short-term effects,
such as diarrhea,
cramps, nausea,
headaches, or other
symptoms. They may
pose a special
health risk for
infants, young
children, some of
the elderly, and
people with
severely-
compromised immune
systems.
Total organic carbon (ppm). TT............... ................. TT............... N/A............... Naturally present in Total organic carbon
the environment. (TOC) has no health
effects. However,
total organic
carbon provides a
medium for the
formation of
disinfection by
products. These
byproducts include
trihalomethanes
(THMs) and
haloacetic acids
(HAAs). Drinking
water containing
these byproducts in
excess of the MCL
may lead to adverse
health effects,
liver or kidney
problems, or
nervous system
effects, and may
lead to an
increased risk of
getting cancer.
Turbidity (NTU)............ TT............... ................. TT............... N/A............... Soil runoff......... Turbidity has no
health effects.
However, turbidity
can interfere with
disinfection and
provide a medium
for microbial
growth. Turbidity
may indicate the
presence of disease-
causing organisms.
These organisms
include bacteria,
viruses, and
parasites that can
cause symptoms such
as nausea, cramps,
diarrhea and
associated
headaches.
Radioactive contaminants:
Beta/photon emitters (mrem/ 4 mrem/yr........ ................. 4................ N/A............... Decay of natural and Certain minerals are
yr). man-made deposits. radioactive and may
emit forms of
radiation known as
photons and beta
radiation. Some
people who drink
water containing
beta and photon
emitters in excess
of the MCL over
many years may have
an increased risk
of getting cancer.
Alpha emitters (pCi/l)..... 15 pCi/l......... ................. 15............... N/A............... Erosion of natural Certain minerals are
deposits. radioactive and may
emit a form of
radiation known as
alpha radiation.
Some people who
drink water
containing alpha
emitters in excess
of the MCL over
many years may have
an increased risk
of getting cancer.
Combined radium (pCi/l).... 5 pCi/l.......... _................ 5................ N/A............... Erosion of natural Some people who
deposits. drink water
containing radium
226 or 228 in
excess of the MCL
over many years may
have an increased
risk of getting
cancer
Inorganic contaminants:
Antimony (ppb)............. .006............. 1000............. 6................ 6................. Discharge from Some people who
petroleum drink water
refineries; fire containing antimony
retardants; well in excess of
ceramics; the MCL over many
electronics; solder. years could
experience
increases in blood
cholesterol and
decreases in blood
sugar.
Arsenic (ppb).............. \1\ 0.010........ 1000............. \1\ 10........... \1\ 0............. Erosion of natural Some people who
deposits; Runoff drink water
from orchards; containing arsenic
Runoff from glass in excess of the
and electronics MCL over many years
production wastes. could experience
skin damage or
problems with their
circulatory system,
and may have an
increased risk of
getting cancer.
Asbestos (MFL)............. 7 MFL............ ................. 7................ 7................. Decay of asbestos Some people who
cement water mains; drink water
Erosion of natural containing asbestos
deposits. in excess of the
MCL over many years
may have an
increased risk of
developing benign
intestinal polyps.
Barium (ppm)............... 2................ ................. 2................ 2................. Discharge of Some people who
drilling wastes; drink water
Discharge from containing barium
metal refineries; in excess of the
Erosion of natural MCL over many years
deposits. could experience an
increase in their
blood pressure.
Beryllium (ppb)............ .004............. 1000............. 4................ 4................. Discharge from metal Some people who
refineries and coal- drink water
burning factories; containing
Discharge from beryllium well in
electrical, excess of the MCL
aerospace, and over many years
defense industries. could develop
intestinal lesions
Bromate (ppb).............. .010............. 1000............. 10............... 0................. By-product of Some people who
drinkig water drink water of
disinfection. containing bromate
in excess of the
MCL over many years
may have an
increased risk of
getting cancer.
Cadmium (ppb).............. .005............. 1000............. 5................ 5................. Corrosion of Some people who
galvanized pipes; drink water
Erosion of natural containing cadmium
deposits; Discharge in excess of the
from metal MCL over many years
refineries; Runoff could experience
from waste kidney damage.
batteries and
paints.
Chloramines (ppm).......... MRDL=4........... ................. MRDL=4........... MRDLG=4........... Water additive used Some people who use
to control microbes. water containing
chloramines well in
excess of the MRDL
could experience
irritating effects
to their eyes and
nose. Some people
who drink water
containing
chloramines well in
excess of the MRDL
could experience
stomach discomfort
or anemia.
Chlorine (ppm)............. MRDL=4........... ................. MRDL=4........... MRDLG=4........... Water additive used Some people who use
to control microbes. water containing
chlorine well in
excess of the MRDL
could experience
irritating effects
to their eyes and
nose. Some people
who drink water
containing chlorine
well in excess of
the MRDL could
experience stomach
discomfort.
Chlorine dioxide (ppb)..... MRDL=.8.......... 1000............. MRDL=800......... MRDLG=800......... Water additive used Some infants and
to control micorbes. young children who
drink water
chlorine dioxide in
excess of the MRDL
could experience
nervous system
effects. Similar
effects may occur
in fetuses of
pregnant women who
drink water
containing chlorine
dioxide in excess
of the MRDL. Some
people may
experience anemia.
Chlorite (ppm)............. 1................ ................. 1................ 0.8............... By-product of Some infants and
drinking water young children who
disinfection. drink water
containing chlorite
in excess of the
MCL could
experience nervous
system effects.
Similar effects may
occur in fetuses of
pregnant women who
drink water
containing chlorite
in excess of the
MCL. Some people
may experience
anemia.
Chromium (ppb)............. .1............... 1000............. 100.............. 100............... Discharge from steel Some people who use
and pulp mills; water containing
Erosion of natural chromium well in
deposits. excess of the MCL
over many years
could experience
allergic
dermatitis.
Copper (ppm)............... AL=1.3........... ................. AL=1.3........... 1.3............... Corrosion of Copper is an
household plumbing essential nutrient,
systems; Erosion of but some people who
natural deposits. drink water
containing copper
in excess of the
action level over a
relatively short
amount of time
could experience
gastrointestinal
distress. Some
people who drink
water containing
copper in excess of
the action level
over many years
could suffer liver
or kidney damage.
People with
Wilson's disease
should consult
their personal
doctor.
Cyanide (ppb).............. .2............... 1000............. 200.............. 200............... Discharge from steel/ Some people who
metal factories; drink water
Discharge from containing cyanide
plastic and well in excess of
fertilizer the MCL over many
factories. years could
experience nerve
damage or problems
with their thyroid.
Fluoride (ppm)............. 4................ ................. 4................ 4................. Erosion of natural Some people who
deposits; Water drink water
additive which containing fluoride
promotes strong in excess of the
teeth; Discharge MCL over many years
from fertilizer and could get bone
aluminum factories. disease, including
pain and tenderness
of the bones.
Fluoride in
drinking water at
half the MCL or
more may cause
mottling of
children's teeth,
usually in children
less than nine
years old.
Mottling, also
known as dental
fluorosis, may
include brown
staining and/or
pitting of the
teeth, and occurs
only in developing
teeth before they
erupt from the
gums.
Lead (ppb)................. AL=.015.......... 1000............. AL=15............ 0................. Corrosion of Infants and children
household plumbing who drink water
systems; Erosion of containing lead in
natural deposits. excess of the
action level could
experience delays
in their physical
or mental
development.
Children could show
slight deficits in
attention span and
learning abilities.
Adults who drink
this water over
many years could
develop kidney
problems or high
blood pressure.
Mercury [inorganic] (ppb).. .002............. 1000............. 2................ 2................. Erosion of natural Some people who
deposits; Dis drink water
charge from containing
refineries and inorganic mercury
factories; Runoff well in excess of
from landfills; the MCL over many
Runoff from years could
cropland. experience kidney
damage.
Nitrate (ppm).............. 10............... ................. 10............... 10................ Runoff from Infants below the
fertilizer use; age of six months
Leaching from who drink water
septic tanks, sew containing nitrate
age; Erosion of in excess of the
natural deposits. MCL could become
seriously ill and,
if untreated, may
die. Symptoms
include shortness
of breath and blue
baby syndrome.
Nitrite (ppm).............. 1................ ................. 1................ 1................. Runoff from Infants below the
fertilizer use; age of six months
Leaching from who drink water
septic tanks, sew containing nitrite
age; Erosion of in excess of the
natural deposits. MCL could become
seriously ill and,
if untreated, may
die. Symptoms
include shortness
of breath and blue
baby syndrome.
Selenium (ppb)............. .05.............. 1000............. 50............... 50................ Discharge from Selenium is an
petroleum and metal essential nutrient.
refineries; Erosion However, some
of natural people who drink
deposits; Discharge water containing
from mines. selenium in excess
of the MCL over
many years could
experience hair or
fingernail losses,
numbness in fingers
or toes, or
problems with their
circulation.
Thallium (ppb)............. .002............. 1000............. 2................ 0.5............... Leaching from ore- Some people who
processing sites; drink water
Discharge from containing thallium
electronics, glass, in excess of the
and drug factories. MCL over many years
could experience
hair loss, changes
in their blood, or
problems with their
kidneys,
intestines, or
liver.
Synthetic organic contaminants
including pesticides and
herbicides:
2,4-D (ppb)................ .07.............. 1000............. 70............... 70................ Runoff from Some people who
herbicide used on drink water
row crops. containing the weed
killer 2,4-D well
in excess of the
MCL over many years
could experience
problems with their
kidneys, liver, or
adrenal glands.
2,4,5-TP [Silvex](ppb)..... .05.............. 1000............. 50............... 50................ Residue of banned Some people who
herbicide. drink water
containing silvex
in excess of the
MCL over many years
could experience
liver problems.
Acrylamide................. TT............... ................. TT............... 0................. Added to water Some people who
during sewage/ drink water
wastewater containing high
treatment. levels of
acrylamide over a
long period of time
could have problems
with their nervous
system or blood,
and may have an
increased risk of
getting cancer.
Alachlor (ppb)............. .002............. 1000............. 2................ 0................. Runoff from Some people who
herbicide used on drink water
row crops. containing alachlor
in excess of the
MCL over many years
could have problems
with their eyes,
liver, kidneys, or
spleen, or
experience anemia,
and may have an
increased risk of
getting cancer.
Atrazine (ppb)............. .003............. 1000............. 3................ 3................. Runoff from Some people who
herbicide used on drink water
row crops. containing atrazine
well in excess of
the MCL over many
years could
experience problems
with their
cardiovascular
system or
reproductive
difficulties.
Benzo(a)pyrene [PAH] .0002............ 1,000,000........ 200.............. 0................. Leaching from Some people who
(nanograms/l). linings of water drink water
storage tanks and containing
distribution lines. benzo(a)pyrene in
excess of the MCL
over many years may
experience
reproductive
difficulties and
may have an
increased risk of
getting cancer.
Carbofuran (ppb)........... .04.............. 1000............. 40............... 40................ Leaching of soil Some people who
fumigant used on drink water
rice and alfalfa. containing
carbofuran in
excess of the MCL
over many years
could experience
problems with their
blood, or nervous
or reproductive
systems.
Chlordane (ppb)............ .002............. 1000............. 2................ 0................. Residue of banned Some people who
termiticide. drink water
containing
chlordane in excess
of the MCL over
many years could
experience problems
with their liver or
nervous system, and
may have an
increased risk of
getting cancer.
Dalapon (ppb).............. .2............... 1000............. 200.............. 200............... Runoff from Some people who
herbicide used on drink water
rights of way. containing dalapon
well in excess of
the MCL over many
years could
experience minor
kidney changes.
Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate .4............... 1000............. 400.............. 400............... Discharge from Some people who
(ppb). chemical factories. drink water
containing di(2-
ethylhexyl) adipate
well in excess of
the MCL over many
years could
experience toxic
effects such as
weight loss, liver
enlargement or
possible
reproductive
difficulties.
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate .006............. 1000............. 6................ 0................. Discharge from Some people who
(ppb). rubber and chemical drink water
factories. containing di(2-
ethylhexyl)
phthalate well in
excess of the MCL
over many years may
have problems with
their liver, or
experience
reproductive
difficulties, and
may have an
increased risk of
getting cancer.
Dibromochloropropane (ppt). .0002............ 1,000,000........ 200.............. 0................. Runoff/leaching from Some people who
soil fumigant used drink water
on soybeans, containing DBCP in
cotton, pineapples, excess of the MCL
and orchards. over many years
could experience
reproductive
problems and may
have an increased
risk of getting
cancer.
Dinoseb (ppb).............. .007............. 1000............. 7................ 7................. Runoff from Some people who
herbicide used on drink water
soybeans and containing dinoseb
vegetables. well in excess of
the MCL over many
years could
experience
reproductive
difficulties.
Diquat (ppb)............... .02.............. 1000............. 20............... 20................ Runoff from Some people who
herbicide use. drink water
containing diquat
in excess of the
MCL over many years
could get
cataracts.
Dioxin [2,3,7,8-TCDD] (ppq) .00000003........ 1,000,000, 000... 30............... 0................. Emissions from waste Some people who
incineration and drink water
other combustion; containing dioxin
Discharge from in excess of the
chemical factories. MCL over many years
could experience
reproductive
difficulties and
may have an
increased risk of
getting cancer.
Endothall (ppb)............ .1............... 1000............. 100.............. 100............... Runoff from Some people who
herbicide use. drink water
containing
endothall in excess
of the MCL over
many years could
experience problems
with their stomach
or intestines.
Endrin (ppb)............... .002............. 1000............. 2................ 2................. Residue of banned Some people who
insecticide. drink water
containing endrin
in excess of the
MCL over many years
could experience
liver problems.
Epichlorohydrin............ TT............... ................. TT............... 0................. Discharge from Some people who
industrial chemical drink water
factories; An containing high
impurity of some levels of
water treatment epichlorohydrin
chemicals. over a long period
of time could
experience stomach
problems, and may
have an increased
risk of getting
cancer.
Ethylene dibromide (ppt)... .00005........... 1,000,000........ 50............... 0................. Discharge from Some people who
petroleum drink water
refineries. containing ethylene
dibromide in excess
of the MCL over
many years could
experience problems
with their liver,
stomach,
reproductive
system, or kidneys,
and may have an
increased risk of
getting cancer.
Glyphosate (ppb)........... .7............... 1000............. 700.............. 700............... Runoff from Some people who
herbicide use. drink water
containing
glyphosate in
excess of the MCL
over many years
could experience
problems with their
kidneys or
reproductive
difficulties.
Heptachlor (ppt)........... .0004............ 1,000,000........ 400.............. 0................. Residue of banned Some people who
pesticide. drink water
containing
heptachlor in
excess of the MCL
over many years
could experience
liver damage and
may have an
increased risk of
getting cancer.
Heptachlor epoxide (ppt)... .0002............ 1,000,000........ 200.............. 0................. Breakdown of Some people who
heptachlor. drink water
containing
heptachlor epoxide
in excess of the
MCL over many years
could experience
liver damage, and
may have an
increased risk of
getting cancer.
Hexachlorobenzene (ppb).... .001............. 1000............. 1................ 0................. Discharge from metal Some people who
refineries and drink water
agricultural containing
chemical factories. hexachlorobenzene
in excess of the
MCL over many years
could experience
problems with their
liver or kidneys,
or adverse
reproductive
effects, and may
have an increased
risk of getting
cancer.
Hexachlorocyclopentadiene .05.............. 1000............. 50............... 50................ Discharge from Some people who
(ppb). chemical factories. drink water
containing
hexachlorocyclopent
adiene well in
excess of the MCL
over many years
could experience
problems with their
kidneys or stomach.
Lindane (ppt).............. .0002............ 1,000,000........ 200.............. 200............... Runoff/leaching from Some people who
insecticide used on drink water
cattle, lumber, containing lindane
gardens. in excess of the
MCL over many years
could experience
problems with their
kidneys or liver.
Methoxychlor (ppb)......... .04.............. 1000............. 40............... 40................ Runoff/leaching from Some people who
insecticide used on drink water
fruits, vegetables, containing
alfalfa, livestock. methoxychlor in
excess of the MCL
over many years
could experience
reproductive
difficulties.
Oxamyl [Vydate] (ppb)...... .2............... 1000............. 200.............. 200............... Runoff/leaching from Some people who
insecticide used on drink water
apples, potatoes containing oxamyl
and tomatoes. in excess of the
MCL over many years
could experience
slight nervous
system effects.
PCBs [Polychlorinated .0005............ 1,000,000........ 500.............. 0................. Runoff from Some people who
biphenyls] (ppt). landfills; drink water
Discharge of waste containing PCBs in
chemicals. excess of the MCL
over many years
could experience
changes in their
skin, problems with
their thymus gland,
immune
deficiencies, or
reproductive or
nervous system
difficulties, and
may have an
increased risk of
getting cancer.
Pentachlorophenol (ppb).... .001............. 1000............. 1................ 0................. Discharge from wood Some people who
preserving drink water
factories. containing
pentachlorophenol
in excess of the
MCL over many years
could experience
problems with their
liver or kidneys,
and may have an
increased risk of
getting cancer.
Picloram (ppb)............. .5............... 1000............. 500.............. 500............... Herbicide runoff.... Some people who
drink water
containing picloram
in excess of the
MCL over many years
could experience
problems with their
liver.
Simazine (ppb)............. .004............. 1000............. 4................ 4................. Herbicide runoff.... Some people who
drink water
containing simazine
in excess of the
MCL over many years
could experience
problems with their
blood.
Toxaphene (ppb)............ .003............. 1000............. 3................ 0................. Runoff/leaching from Some people who
insecticide used on drink water
cotton and cattle. containing
toxaphene in excess
of the MCL over
many years could
have problems with
their kidneys,
liver, or thyroid,
and may have an
increased risk of
getting cancer.
Volatile organic contaminants:
Benzene (ppb).............. .005............. 1000............. 5................ 0................. Discharge from Some people who
factories; Leaching drink water
from gas storage containing benzene
tanks and landfills. in excess of the
MCL over many years
could experience
anemia or a
decrease in blood
platelets, and may
have an increased
risk of getting
cancer.
Carbon tetrachloride (ppb). .005............. 1000............. 5................ 0................. Discharge from Some people who
chemical plants and drink water
other industrial containing carbon
activities. tetrachloride in
excess of the MCL
over many years
could experience
problems with their
liver and may have
an increased risk
of getting cancer.
Chlorobenzene (ppb)........ .1............... 1000............. 100.............. 100............... Discharge from Some people who
chemical and drink water
agricultural containing
chemical factories. chlorobenzene in
excess of the MCL
over many years
could experience
problems with their
liver or kidneys.
o-Dichlorobenzene (ppb).... .6............... 1000............. 600.............. 600............... Discharge from Some people who
industrial chemical drink water
factories. containing o-
dichlorobenzene
well in excess of
the MCL over many
years could
experience problems
with their liver,
kidneys, or
circulatory
systems.
p-Dichlorobenzene (ppb).... .075............. 1000............. 75............... 75................ Discharge from Some people who
industrial chemical drink water
factories. containing p-
dichlorobenzene in
excess of the MCL
over many years
could experience
anemia, damage to
their liver,
kidneys, or spleen,
or changes in their
blood.
1,2-Dichloroethane (ppb)... .005............. 1000............. 5................ 0................. Discharge from Some people who
industrial chemical drink water
factories. containing 1,2-
dichloroethane in
excess of the MCL
over many years may
have an increased
risk of getting
cancer.
1,1-Dichloroethylene (ppb). .007............. 1000............. 7................ 7................. Discharge from Some people who
industrial chemical drink water
factories. containing 1,1-
dichloroethylene in
excess of the MCL
over many years
could experience
problems with their
liver.
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene .07.............. 1000............. 70............... 70................ Discharge from Some people who
(ppb). industrial chemical drink water
factories. containing cis-1,2-
dichloroethylene in
excess of the MCL
over many years
could experience
problems with their
liver.
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene .1............... 1000............. 100.............. 100............... Discharge from Some people who
(ppb). industrial chemical drink water
factories. containing trans-
1,2-
dichloroethylene
well in excess of
the MCL over many
years could
experience problems
with their liver.
Dichloromethane (ppb)...... .005............. 1000............. 5................ 0................. Discharge from Some people who
pharmaceutical and drink water
chemical factories. containing
dichloromethane in
excess of the MCL
over many years
could have liver
problems and may