Health Effects of Contaminated Drinking Water Chronic health effects.

Overview Two types of health effects from contaminated drinking water Acute Chronic Chronic health effects are generally caused by long-term exposure to chemical contaminants Good Water. Good Health. Good Choices.

Overview Contaminants causing chronic effects: Pesticides Disinfection byproducts Commercial/industrial solvents Radionuclides Lead and other metals Vulnerable populations are more at risk Chronic health effects can include: birth defects cancer nervous disorders such as spasms or tremors liver, kidney, spleen or eye damage impairment of speech, hearing, vision, memory or coordination stroke weight loss cardiovascular damage retinal or muscle degeneration anemia Vulnerable populations are more likely to suffer ill effects from contaminated water, or to suffer ill effects before the general population. Vulnerable populations include infants/children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with other medical conditions such as compromised immune systems. Good Water. Good Health. Good Choices.

Did You Know? Surface waters are especially vulnerable to contamination from: Runoff Spills Industrial discharges Groundwater can be contaminated through: Leaky landfills or underground storage tanks Failing septic systems Improperly constructed, maintained, or abandoned wells Hydrologic connections to contaminated surface water Good Water. Good Health. Good Choices.

Did You Know? Boiling water usually concentrates, rather than eliminates, contaminants that cause chronic health effects. Atrazine, which is a weed killer, is the most commonly detected pesticide in surface and groundwater in the US. Atrazine is especially common in crop-producing Midwestern states. Pesticide levels in water are often higher in spring and early summer. Good Water. Good Health. Good Choices.

What You Can Do Private well owners should have their water tested annually. Municipal water users can learn more about how their drinking water source is protected from contamination, and how water is treated and monitored by their water utility. If you choose home water treatment, learn what contaminants the system treats. Join with others to prevent contamination of drinking water sources. Generally, well owners are advised to have their water tested by a state certified laboratory once per year, or more often if they are concerned about the odor or taste of their water, or if water users are experiencing unexplained illnesses. If you chose a home water treatment system, be sure it is certified to treat the particular contaminant you’re concerned about. Then, maintain the system according to the instructions. 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.