1. Water Contaminants

2. Nitrate Acceptable ranges: Source of contaminant: Indication of contaminant: Health Problems: Solution: 0-10 mg/L Human and animal waste, fertilizer, natural nutrients algal blooms, eutrophication Blue Baby Syndrome Nitrates/nitrites in body block oxygen absorption Reverse Osmosis; dig new well; spread manure away from water sources; responsible use of fertilizer

3. Water Hardness Acceptable ranges: Source of contaminant: Indication of contaminant: Health Problems: Solution: 0-60=soft; 61-120=moderate; 121-180=hard Natural dissolved minerals (calcium and magnesium) In homes/industry: White scale build up; soap wont get sudsy, dry skin None (dry skin); Hard water is tough on appliances. Water softener (but that puts Na in water and removes Ca and Mg) for household use.

4. pH (acidity/alkalinity) Acceptable ranges: Source of contaminant: Indication of contaminant: Health Problems: Solution: 6.5-8.5 (7 is neutral) Rock and soil (natural), pollutants Sensitive species and immature animals are affected; blue-green staining of drains Can cause water to corrode pipes, dissolve toxic metals Flood control, alleviating stream bank erosion, mitigating stream warming

5. Phosphates Acceptable ranges: Source of contaminant: Indication of contaminant: Health Problems: Solution: 0 - 1 ppm (0.1mg/L) Detergents, fertilizers, animal wastes high algae or aquatic plant growth in natural water; bubbling/foaming; eutrophication None for humans – pop has lots of phosphates in them! Causes eutrophication of bodies of water Eliminate sources; responsible for animal wastes; avoid washing cars on driveway/streets; responsible use of fertilizer

6. Coliform Bacteria Acceptable ranges: Source of contaminant: Indication of contaminant: Health Problems: Solution: 125 colonies/100 mL (e. coli) Human and animal feces, (leaking septic tanks, spreading manure) Frequent digestive problems Common gastrointestinal illnesses; indication that other bacteria may be present Proper functioning septic systems, prevent livestock from accessing streams, manure management practices

7. Dissolved Oxygen Acceptable ranges: Source of contaminant: Indication of contaminant: Health Problems: Solution: 7mg/L and above for aquatic life Lack of plant life; too much oxygen-utilizing bacteria (decomposition) Lack of plant life; too much decomposing organic matter None if in drinking water; harmful to aquatic life Remove decomposing matter; increase plant life; reduce nitrate/phosphate levels; aerate body of water; make sure no thermal pollution exists

8. Carbon Dioxide Acceptable ranges: Source of contaminant: Indication of contaminant: Health Problems: Solution: Over 20 mg/L harmful to aquatic life Respiration of aquatic life Fish or aquatic life dying None in drinking water; aquatic life will die or be unable to reproduce Introduce more plant life; remove some of the fish population