Drinking Water and Children Good water for healthy kids.

Overview Standards set by U.S. EPA are designed to protect children, adults, and vulnerable populations Children are often not the most vulnerable group Risk to children’s health is the most important factor considered when developing drinking water standards Even though children have a greater risk for microbial contamination than the general public, several other groups are more at risk: Those with weakened immune systems Those who have undergone organ transplants Those who have AIDS/HIV Those undergoing chemotherapy Standards for lead, nitrates, and nitrites are based specifically on their risk to children because they are the most vulnerable to these contaminants. Good Water. Good Health. Good Choices.

Did You Know? Why Are Children More At Risk? Young children drink more fluid per pound of body weight than adults Very young children don’t yet have a fully developed immune system Other organ systems continue to develop after birth Children are less capable to fight microbes that may occur in drinking water, which can induce Diarrhea Vomiting Dehydration Systems continuing to develop Reproductive Digestive Central nervous Certain chemical contaminants may affect the development of these systems and affect Learning Motor skills Sex hormones Good Water. Good Health. Good Choices.

Did You Know? Potential contaminants especially harmful to children Nitrite/Nitrates Lead Microbial contaminants Nitrite/Nitrates Commonly found in fertilizer runoff, leaching from septic tanks/cesspools, erosion of natural deposits Infants are at risk for blue baby syndrome, which affects the blood’s ability to carry oxygen Nitrite/nitrates contaminated water should NOT be boiled for purification—it can increase the levels of nitrite/nitrates Lead May be caused by the corrosion of household plumbing systems, erosion of natural deposits Children may also be affected by paint chips and dust from lead-based paint in older buildings High levels of exposure can result in slowed physical or mental development Lead contaminated water should NOT be boiled for purification Microbial Contaminants Found in human and animal fecal matter Can enter a water supply through leaking septic systems/cesspools Exposure may cause gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and vomiting, which may lead to dangerous dehydration in children Most problems are temporary in healthy children Boiling water for one minute can reduce microbial contaminants in water Good Water. Good Health. Good Choices.

Did You Know? Special Protection for Children 1996 SDWA amendments added special protection for children Private wells Not required to monitor contaminant levels Private well owners are strongly encouraged to have wells tested periodically 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments Requires EPA to further protect children’s health Considers the special needs of children when identifying new contaminants Continues research on children’s exposure to contaminants Private wells should be tested for Nitrate Coliform bacteria Wells may also be tested for other contaminants if a problem is suspected, such as Radon Pesticides Industrial chemicals Good Water. Good Health. Good Choices.

What You Can Do Read your Consumer Confidence Report to learn about potential contaminants. Find out about your source of drinking water and get involved in activities to protect it. Talk to your local water supplier and/or health department if you are concerned about a specific contaminant. Arrange to have your private well tested on a regular basis. Good Water. Good Health. Good Choices.

Contacts Insert local contact information The Groundwater Foundation P.O. Box 22558 Lincoln, NE 68542-2558 402-434-2740 www.groundwater.org Insert your local contact information. Good Water. Good Health. Good Choices.