1. Drinking Water and Vulnerable Populations
Protecting at-risk populations.

2. Overview
Vulnerable populations are more likely to suffer ill effects from contaminated water
Infants/children
Pregnant women
The elderly
Individuals with compromised immune systems
Groups with compromised immune systems can include
Those undergoing chemotherapy
Those who have had organ transplants
Those with HIV/AIDS
Knowing which contaminants may be in a particular water source is one of the best ways to protect vulnerable populations.
Good Water. Good Health. Good Choices.

3. Did You Know? Common potential contaminants Pesticides E. Coli
Cryptosporidium
Nitrates
Lead
Standards set by U.S. EPA take into account the potential effects of various contaminants on different sectors of the population that may be most at risk.
When a standard is set, EPA conducts a risk assessment to determine if certain groups may be more vulnerable than the general population. Standards are then set to protect the most vulnerable group.
Pesticides
EPA reports that 4.5 billion pounds are used annually in the U.S.
Commonly found in drinking water sources at very low, non-toxic concentrations
Sources include agriculture, home and garden use, application in schools, food residue, and most commonly contaminated water
E. Coli
Most strains are harmless
Waterborne E. Coli can cause illness
Most commonly found in animal and human fecal matter
Can contaminate water supplies through malfunctioning septic systems, leaking sewer lines, or heavy rains which wash contaminated wastes into ground and surface water supplies
Cryptosporidium
Enters water supplies through sewage leakage or agricultural runoff contaminated with feces
People with healthy immune systems may not become ill from exposure, or will usually recover within a few weeks
May be fatal or cause serious health effects in those with compromised immune systems
Nitrates
Found in nitrogen-based fertilizer and manure that may run off into surface waters, or enter groundwater through natural deposits
Health risk to fetuses
Can cause blue baby syndrome, a potentially fatal condition in infants less than six months old which affects the ability of infants’ blood to carry oxygen
Lead
Developing fetuses, infants, and young children are particularly vulnerable
Found in some paints, dust, and some drinking water sources
Lead in drinking water is primarily a problem related to the corrosion of lead in plumbing fixtures in older buildings or service lines
Good Water. Good Health. Good Choices.

4. What You Can Do
Obtain a copy of your Consumer Confidence Report to see a list and levels of contaminants found in drinking water.
Talk to your local health department about ways to deal with contaminants in drinking water.
Good Water. Good Health. Good Choices.

5. Contacts
Insert local contact information
The Groundwater Foundation
P.O. Box 22558
Lincoln, NE
Insert your local contact information.
Good Water. Good Health. Good Choices.