Fact Sheet - Water Pollution

• Microbial contaminants are a threat to source water. Examples include viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.

• Protection of drinking water sources reduces the treatment challenge for public water suppliers.

• People receiving water from private wells are responsible for making sure their own drinking water is safe.

• Very young children’s immune systems are not yet fully developed, making them less able than healthy adults to fight microbes in drinking water. These microbes may induce diarrhea and vomiting, which may cause children to become dehydrated more quickly than adults.

• Giardia lamblia is a parasite that enters lakes and rivers through sewage and animal waste. It causes gastrointestinal illness (e.g. diarrhea, vomiting, cramps).

• Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit forms of radiation known as photons and beta radiation (beta/photon emitters). Some people who drink water containing beta and photon emitters in excess of EPA's standard over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

• Radon gas can dissolve and accumulate in underground water sources, such as wells, and in the air in your home. Drinking water containing radon presents a risk of developing cancer.

• Many communities add fluoride to their drinking water to promote dental health. Excess flouride intake can cause bone damage.

Bullets:  Remove Bullets  Disc ( )  Circle ( )  Square ( )  Clover ( )  Arrow ( )  Numbers (1, 2, 3...)