Contaminant

Units

MCL

MCLG

Sources in Drinking Water

Health Effects Language

Microbiological Contaminants

Total Coliform Bacteria

n/a[1]

Any positive sample[2]

0

Naturally present in the environment.

Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially-harmful, bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems.

Radioactive Contaminants

Beta particle and photon activity from manmade radionuclides

mrem/

yr[3]

4[4]

0

Decay of natural deposits and man-made emissions.

Certain materials are radioactive and may emit forms of radiation known as photons and beta radiation. Some people who drink water containing beta and photon emitters in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Combined radium – 226 and 228

pCi/L

54

0

Erosion of natural deposits.

Some people who drink water containing radium 226 or 228 in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Inorganics[5]

Asbestos

MFL[6]

7

7

Decay of asbestos cement water mains; Erosion of natural deposits.

Some people who drink water containing asbestos in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of developing benign intestinal polyps.

Antimony

ug/l[7]

 

6

6

Discharge from petroleum refineries; fire retardants; ceramics; electronics; solder.

Some people who drink water containing antimony well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience increases in blood cholesterol and decreases in blood sugar.

 

Arsenic

ug/l

50[8]

n/a

Erosion of natural deposits; Runoff from orchards; Runoff from glass and electronics production wastes.

 

 

 

Some people who drink water containing arsenic in excess of the MCL over many years could experience skin damage or problems with their circulatory system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Beryllium

ug/l

4

4

Discharge from metal refineries and coil-burning factories; Discharge from electrical, aerospace, and defense industries.

Some people who drink water containing beryllium well in excess of the MCL over many years could develop intestinal lesions.

Cadmium

ug/l

5

5

Corrosion of galvanized pipes; Erosion of natural deposits; Discharge from metal refineries; Runoff from waste batteries and paints.

Some people who drink water containing cadmium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience kidney damage.

Chromium

ug/l

100

100

Discharge from steel and pulp mills; Erosion of natural deposits.

Some people who use water containing chromium well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience allergic dermatitis.

Cyanide (as free Cyanide)

ug/l

200

200

Discharge from steel/metal factories; Discharge from plastic and fertilizer factories.

Some people who drink water containing cyanide well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience nerve damage or problems with their thyroid.

Iron

ug/l

300[9]

N/A

Naturally occurring.

Iron has no health effects.  At 1,000 ug/l a substantial number of people will note the bitter astringent taste of iron.  Also, at this concentration, it imparts a brownish color to laundered clothing and stains plumbing fixtures with a characteristic rust color.  Staining can result at levels of 50 ug/l, lower than those detectable to taste buds.  Therefore, the MCL of 300 ug/l represents a reasonable compromise as adverse aesthetic effects are minimized at this level.  Many multivitamins may contain 3000 or 4000 ug/l of iron per capsule.

Mercury (Inorganic)

ug/l

2

2

Erosion of natural deposits; Discharge from refineries and factories; Runoff from landfills; Runoff from cropland.

Some people who drink water containing inorganic mercury well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience kidney damage.

Selenium

ug/l

50

50

Discharge from petroleum and metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits; Discharge from mines.

Selenium is an essential nutrient.  However, some people who drink water containing selenium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience hair or fingernail losses, numbness in fingers or toes, or problems with their circulation.

Silver

ug/l

100

N/A

Naturally occurring, discharge from photographic and radiographic processing; Manufacturing of electronic products; Jewelry making;  Plating and soldering.

Some people who drink water containing silver in excess of the MCL over may years could experience argyria or argyrosis, a permanent blue-gray discoloration of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.

Thallium

ug/l

2

0.5

Leaching from ore-processing sites; Discharge from electronics, glass, and drug factories.

 

 

Some people who drink water containing thallium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience hair loss, changes in their blood, or problems with their kidneys, intestines, or liver.

Color

Units

15

N/A

Large quantities of organic chemicals, inadequate treatment, high disinfectant demand and the potential for production of excess amounts of disinfectant by-products such as trihalomethanes, the presence of metals such as copper, iron and manganese; Natural color may be caused by decaying leaves, plants, and soil organic matter.

Color has no health effects.  In some instances, color may be objectionable to some people at as low as 5 units.  Its presence is aesthetically objectionable and suggests that the water may need additional treatment.

Synthetic Organic Contaminants including Pesticides and Herbicides

Alachlor

ug/l

2

0

Runoff from herbicide used on row crops.

Some people who drink water containing alachlor in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their eyes, liver, kidneys, or spleen, or experience anemia, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Aldicarb

ug/l

3

1

Runoff from insecticide use on row crops.

Some people who drink water containing aldicarb in excess of the MCL over many years could experience neurological effects such as sweating, papillary constriction and leg weakness.

Aldicarb sulfone

ug/l

2

1

Runoff from insecticide use on row crops.

Some people who drink water containing aldicarb sulfone in excess of the MCL over many years could experience neurological effects such as sweating, papillary constriction and leg weakness.

Aldicarb sulfoxide

ug/l

4

1

Runoff from insecticide use on row crops.

Some people who drink water containing aldicarb sulfoxide in excess of the MCL over many years could experience neurological effects such as sweating, papillary constriction and leg weakness.

Atrazine

ug/l

3

3

Runoff from herbicide used on row crops.

Some people who drink water containing atrazine well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their cardiovascular system or reproductive difficulties.

Benzo(a)pyrene (PAH)

ng/l[10]

200

0

Leaching from lining of water storage tanks and distribution lines.

Some people who drink water containing benzo(a)pyrene in excess of the MCL over many years may experience reproductive difficulties and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Carbofuran

ug/l

40

40

Leaching of soil fumigant used on rice and alfalfa

Some people who drink water containing carbofuran in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their blood, or nervous or reproductive systems.

Chlordane

ug/l

2

n/a

Residue of banned termiticide.

Some people who drink water containing chlordane in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Dalapon

ug/l

50[11]

n/a

Runoff from herbicide used on rights of way.

Some people who drink water containing dalapon well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience minor kidney changes

2,4-D

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic

ug/l

5013

n/a

Release to the environment by its application as a pesticide used to control broad leaf needs in agriculture and for control of woody plants along roadsides, railways, and utility rights-of-way.

Some people who drink water containing the weed killer 2,4-D well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys, liver, or adrenal glands.

Di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate

ug/l

5013

n/a

Discharge from chemical factories.

Some people who drink water containing di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience general toxic effects or reproductive difficulties.

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate

Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate)

(DEHP)

ug/l

6

0

Used in plastic products such as polyvinyl chloride, plastic toys, vinyl upholstery, adhesives and coatings.  Compound likely to be released to the environment during production and waste disposal of these products.  Also used in inks, pesticides, cosmetics and vacuum pump oil.

Some people who drink water containing di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate in excess of the MCL over many years may have problems with their liver, or experience reproductive difficulties, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Dibromochloropropane (DBCP)

(1,2-Dibromo-3-Chloropropane)

ng/l

200

0

Runoff/leaching from soil fumigant used on soybeans, cotton, pineapples, and orchards.

Some people who drink water containing DBCP in excess of the MCL over many years could experience reproductive problems and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Dinoseb

(4,6-dinitro-2-sec-butylphenol)

ug/l

7

7

Runoff from herbicide used on soybeans and vegetables.

Some people who drink water containing dinoseb well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience reproductive difficulties

Diquat

ug/l

20

20

Runoff from herbicide use.

Some people who drink water containing diquat in excess of the MCL over many years could get cataracts

Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD)

pg/l[12]

30

0

Emission from waste incineration and other combustion; Discharge from chemical factories.

Some people who drink water containing dioxin in excess of the MCL over many years could experience reproductive difficulties and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Endothall

ug/l

5013

n/a

Runoff from herbicide use.

Some people who drink water containing endothall in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their stomach or intestines.

Endrin

ug/l

2

2

Residue of banned insecticide.

Some people who drink water containing endrin in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver problems.

Ethylene dibromide (EDB)

(1,2-Dibromomethane)

ng/l

50

0

Discharge from petroleum containing banned additive; Soil fumigant.

Some people who drink water containing ethylene dibromide in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver, stomach, reproductive system, or kidneys, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Glyphosate

ug/l

5013

700

Runoff from herbicide use.

Some people who drink water containing glyphosate in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys or reproductive difficulties.

Heptachlor

ng/l

400

0

Residue of banned pesticide.

Some people who drink water containing heptachlor in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver damage and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Heptachlor epoxide

ng/l

200

0

Breakdown of heptachlor.

Some people who drink water containing heptachlor epoxide in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver damage, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Hexachlorobenzene

ug/l

1

0

Discharge from metal refineries and agricultural chemical factories.

Some people who drink water containing  hexachlorobenzene  in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or kidney, or adverse reproductive effects, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Hexachlorocyclopentadiene

ug/l

5[13]

n/a

Discharge from chemical factories.

Some people who drink water containing hexachlorocyclopentadiene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their stomach or kidneys.

Lindane

ng/l

200

200

Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cattle, lumber, gardens.

Some people who drink water containing lindane in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys or liver.

Methoxychlor

ug/l

40

40

Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on fruits, vegetables, alfalfa, livestock.

Some people who drink water containing methoxychlor in excess of the MCL over many years could experience reproductive difficulties.

Oxamyl  (Vydate)

ug/l

5013

n/a

Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on apples, potatoes and tomatoes.

Some people who drink water containing oxamyl in excess of the MCL over many years could experience slight nervous system effects.

Pentachlorophenol

ug/l

1

0

Discharge from wood preserving factories.

Some people who drink water containing pentachlorophenol in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or kidneys, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

ng/l

500

0

Runoff from landfills; Discharge of waste chemicals.

Some people who drink water containing PCBs in excess of the MCL over many years could experience changes in their skin, problems with their thymus gland, immune deficiencies, or reproductive or nervous system difficulties, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Picloram

ug/l

5013

n/a

Herbicide runoff.

Some people who drink water containing picloram in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver.

Simazine

ug/l

4

4

Herbicide runoff.

Some people who drink water containing simazine  in excess of the MCL over many years could experience tremors or have problems with their blood.

2,4,5-Tp (Silvex)

ug/l

10

n/a

Residue of banned herbicide.

Some people who drink water containing silvex in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver problems.

Toxaphene

ug/l

3

0

Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cotton and cattle.

Some people who drink water containing toxaphene in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their thyroid, kidneys, or liver and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Volatile Organic Contaminants

Benzene

ug/l

515

0

Discharge from factories; Leaks from gas storage tanks and leaching from landfills.

Some people who drink water containing benzene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience anemia or a decrease in blood platelets, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Carbon tetrachloride

ug/l

515

0

Discharge from chemical plants and other industrial activities.

Some people who drink water containing carbon tetrachloride in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Chlorobenzene

ug/l

515

n/a

Discharge from chemical and agricultural chemical factories.

Some people who drink water containing chlorobenzene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys or liver.

o-Dichlorobenzene

(1,2-Dichlorobenzene)

ug/l

515

n/a

Discharge from industrial chemical factories.

Some people who drink water containing o-dichlorobenzene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or circulatory system.

p-Dichlorobenzene

(1,4-Dichlorobenzene)

ug/l

515

n/a

Discharge from industrial chemical factories.

Some people who drink water containing p-dichlorobenzene in excess over the MCL over many years could experience anemia, damage to their liver, kidneys, or spleen, or changes in their blood.

1,2-Dichloroethane

ug/l

515

n/a

Discharge from industrial chemical factories.

Some people who drink water containing 1,2-dichloroethane in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

1,1-Dichloroethylene

(1,1-Dichloroethene)

ug/l

515

n/a

Discharge from industrial chemical factories.

Some people who drink water containing 1,1-dichloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver.

cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene

(cis-1,2-Dichloroethene)

ug/l

515

n/a

Discharge from industrial chemical factories.

Some people who drink water containing cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver.

trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene

(trans-1,2-Dichloroethene)

ug/l

515

n/a

Discharge from industrial chemical factories.

Some people who drink water containing trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver.

1,2-Dichloropropane

ug/l

515

0

Discharge from industrial chemical factories.

Some people who drink water containing 1,2-dichloropropane in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Ethylbenzene

ug/l

515

n/a

Discharge from petroleum refineries; Leaks from gasoline tanks.

Some people who drink water containing ethylbenzene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or kidneys.

Styrene

ug/l

515

n/a

Discharge from rubber and plastic factories; Leaching from landfills.

Some people who drink water containing styrene well in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their liver, kidneys, or circulatory system.

Tetrachloroethylene

(Tetrachloroethene)

(Perchloroethylene)

(Perchloroethene) (PCE)

ug/l

515

n/a

Discharge from factories and dry cleaners; Waste sites; Spills.

Some people who drink water containing tetrachloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their liver, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene

ug/l

515

n/a

Discharge from textile-finishing factories.

Some people who drink water containing 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience changes in their adrenal glands.

1,1,1-Trichloroethane

ug/l

515

n/a

Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories.

Some people who drink water containing 1,1,1-trichloroethane in excess of the MCL  over many years could experience problems with their liver, nervous system, or circulatory system.

1,1,2-Trichloroethane

ug/l

515

n/a

Discharge from industrial chemical factories.

Some people who drink water containing 1,1,2-trichloroethane well in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their liver, kidneys, or immune systems.

Trichloroethylene

(Trichloroethene) (TCE)

ug/l

515

0

Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories.

Some people who drink water containing trichloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Toluene

ug/l

515

n/a

Leaks from gasoline tanks; Discharge from petroleum factories. Leaching of solvent from lining of potable water tanks.

Some people who drink water containing toluene well in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their nervous system, kidneys, or liver.

Vinyl Chloride

ug/l

2

0

Degradation of other chemicals leaching from waste sites, spills, etc.

Some people who drink water containing vinyl chloride in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Total Xylenes

ug/l

515

n/a

Leaks from gasoline tanks; Discharge from petroleum factories. Leaching of solvent from lining of potable water tanks.

Some people who drink water containing xylenes in excess of the MCL over many years could experience damage to their nervous system.

 

Contaminant

Units

MCL

MCLG

Sources in Drinking Water

Other Principal Organic Contaminants16

Aldrin

ug/l

515

n/a

Pesticide used in agriculture for soil and seed treatment; used in treatment of wood and mothproofing of woolen products; byproduct of the pesticide Aldrin.  In the United States, most uses were banned in 1987; however it is still found in our environment from past uses.

Bromobenzene

ug/l

515

n/a

Used in organic synthesis; used in solvents; motor oil additive.

Bromochloromethane

(Chlorobromomethane)

ug/l

515

n/a

Bromochloromethane, which finds use in fire extinguishers, may be released to the environment as a fugitive emission during its manufacture and during the use of fire extinguishers that contain the compound.

Bromomethane

(Methyl Bromide)

ug/l

515

n/a

Used to kill a variety of pests; used to make other chemicals or as a solvent to get oil out of nuts, seeds, and wool.

n-Butylbenzene (1-Butylpropane)

(Butylbenzene)

ug/l

515

n/a

Solvent used in organic synthesis.

sec-Butylbenzene

(2-Phenylbutane)

ug/l

515

n/a

Solvent used in organic synthesis.

tert-Butylbenzene

(2-methyl-2-phenylpropane)

ug/l

515

n/a

Solvent used in organic synthesis.

Chloroethane (Ethyl Chloride)

ug/l

515

n/a

Sources of chloroethane include process and fugitive emissions from its production and use as a chemical intermediate, evaporation from solvent, aerosol, and antiseptic application, stack emissions from plastics and refuse combustion, inadvertent formation during chlorination treatment, leaching from landfills and formation via microbial degradation of other chlorinated solvents.

Chloromethane (Methyl Chloride)

ug/l

515

n/a

Used in organic chemistry; used as an extractant for greases, oils, and resins; as a solvent in the rubber industry; as a refrigerant, blowing agent and propellant in polystyrene foam production; as an anesthetic; as an intermediate in drug manufacturing; as a food additive, a fumigant and a fire extinguisher.  

2-Chlorotoluene

(o-Chlorotoluene)

ug/l

515

n/a

Solvent and intermediate for dyes; may be released to the environment in emissions and effluent from sites of its manufacture and industrial use, from venting during storage and transport, and from disposal of spent solvents.

4-Chlorotoluene

(p-Chlorotoluene)

ug/l

515

n/a

Solvent and intermediate for organic chemicals and dyes; may be released to the environment in emissions and effluent from sites of its manufacture and industrial use, from venting during storage and transport, and from disposal of spent solvents.

Dibromomethane

(Methylene Bromide)

ug/l

515

n/a

Dibromomethane finds limited use in chemical synthesis, as a solvent and as a gage fluid.  It may be released to the environment during these used as well as in its production and transport.  Also used as a solvent for fats, waxes and resins and an ingredient of fire extinguisher fluids.

1,3-Dichlorobenzene

(m-dichlorobenzene)

ug/l

515

n/a

Used as a fumigant and insecticide.

trans-1,4-Dichloro-2-Butene

(trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene)

(trans-1,2-Dichloroethene)

ug/l

515

n/a

Solvent for fats, phenols, camphor; retards fermentation; rubber manufacturing; refrigerants;  constituent of perfumes; additive to dye and lacquer solutions.

 

 

 

Dichlorodifluoromethane

(Difluorodichloromethane) (Freon 12)

ug/l

515

n/a

Refrigerant; aerosol propellant; foaming agent.

1,1-Dichloroethane

ug/l

515

n/a

Released into the environment as fugitive emissions and in wastewater during production and use as a chemical intermediate solvent; used in vinyl chloride manufacturing; chlorinated solvent intermediate; coupling agent in anti-knock gasoline; degreasing agent.

1,3-Dichloropropane

ug/l

515

n/a

There is no evidence of commercial production or sales of 1,3-dichloropropane in the United States in the isolated compounds or commercial mixtures.  It is probably only used in small amounts possibly in laboratory synthesis.

2,2-Dichloropropane

ug/l

515

n/a

If detected contact the NYS Department of Health, Bureau of Public Water Supply Protection for specific source information.

1,1-Dichloropropene

ug/l

515

n/a

If detected contact the NYS Department of Health, Bureau of Public Water Supply Protection for specific source information.

cis-1,3-Dichloropropene

(cis-1,3-Dichloropropylene)

ug/l

515

n/a

Released to the air and wastewater during its production and use as a soil fumigant and chemical intermediate.

trans-1,3-Dichloropropene

(trans-1,3-Dichloropropylene)

ug/l

515

n/a

Released to the air and wastewater during its production and use as a soil fumigant and chemical intermediate.

Dieldrin

ug/l

515

n/a

Pesticide used in agriculture for soil and seed treatment; used in treatment of wood and mothproofing of woolen products; byproduct of the pesticide aldrin.   In the United States, most uses were banned in 1987; however it is still found in our environment from past uses.

Hexachlorobutadiene

ug/l

515

n/a

Used to make rubber compounds; used as a solvent, and to make lubricants; used as a heat transfer liquid and a hydraulic fluid.

Isopropylbenzene (Cumene)

ug/l

515

n/a

Thinner for paints and enamels; constituent of some petro-based solvents; component of high octane aviation fuel; used in the production of styrene, thinner, acetone and lacquer.

p-Isopropyl Toluene (p-Cynene)

(1-Isopropyl-4-Methylbenzene)

ug/l

515

n/a

Heat transferring agent.

Methylene Chloride

(Dichloromethane)

ug/l

515

n/a

Used as a solvent in paint strippers, as a propellant in aerosols, as a process solvent in the manufacturing of drugs, as a metal cleaning and finishing solvent. 

n-propylbenzene

ug/l

515

n/a

Occurs naturally in petroleum and bituminous coal.  It is also released into the atmosphere in emissions from combustible sources such as incineration, gasoline engines and diesel engines.  Solvent evaporation, landfill leaching and general use of asphalt also releases this compound to the environment.

1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane

ug/l

515

n/a

It does not appear that this compound is presently produced in the United States or is used commercially.  It may, however, be formed incidentally during the manufacture of other chlorinated ethanes and released into the environment as air or wastewater emissions.

1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane

ug/l

515

n/a

Used in the past to product other chemicals and as a solvent, to clean and degrease metals, and in paints in pesticides.  Commercial production for these uses has stopped in U.S.  It presently is used only in chemical production.

1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene

ug/l

515

n/a

Release will occur through its manufacture and use as an industrial chemical, chemical intermediate, dielectric fluid, heat transfer medium and chemical solvent.

Trichlorofluoromethane

(Freon 11)

(Fluorotrichloromethane)

ug/l

515

n/a

This compound was primarily released to the environment during its use as a propellant in aerosol sprays.  However, this use was banned in the United States in 1978.  Other sources of emissions include its use as a solvent, chemical intermediate, blowing agent for polyurethane foams, dry cleaning agent, aerosol propellant and in fire extinguishing agent.

1,2,3-Trichloropropane

(Trichlorohydrin)

(Ally Trichloride)

ug/l

515

n/a

Used in chemical manufacturing, as an industrial solvent, paint and varnish remover, and a cleaning/degreasing agent.

1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene

ug/l

515

n/a

Naturally occurring in coal tar and crude oil; by-product of oil refinery process and added to gasoline.

1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene

(Mesitylene)

ug/l

515

n/a

Dye stuff intermediate; solvent and paint thinner chemical intermediate; UV oxidation stabilizer for plastic.

Unspecified Organic Compounds16

Butachlor

Ug/l

5013

n/a

May be released to the environment during application as a selective herbicide to control annual grasses

Carbaryl

Ug/l

5013

n/a

May be released to the environment during application as crop insecticide.

Dicamba

Ug/l

5013

n/a

Release to the environment by its application as a herbicide used for the control of broad leaf weeds.

Methomyl

Ug/l

5013

n/a

Used as a broad spectrum insecticide. It is also used as an acaricide to control ticks and spiders. It is used for foliar treatment of vegetable, fruit and field crops, cotton, commercial ornamentals, and in and around poultry houses and dairies.

Metolachlor

Ug/l

5013

n/a

Used in pesticide products and may be released into the environment during the application of these pesticides.

Metribuzin

Ug/l

5013

n/a

Used in pesticide products and may be released into the environment during the application of these pesticides.

Propachlor

Ug/l

5013

n/a

Used in pesticide products and may be released into the environment during the application of these pesticides.

 



[1] N/A means not applicable.

[2]  A violation occurs at systems collecting 40 or more samples per month when more than 5% of the total coliform samples are positive.  A violation occurs at systems collecting less than 40 samples per month when two or more samples are total coliform positive.

[3] Millirems per year (mrem/yr) – measure of radiation absorbed by the body.

[4] If beta particles are detected at or below 50 pCi/l, report the detected level in pCi/l.  This will provide consumers with a standard against which to compare that detected level, include “50*” in the MCL column (rather than the actual MCL of 4 mrem/year) and include a footnote to the table that says “The State considers 50 pCi/l to be the level of concern for beta particles.”  If beta particles are detected above 50 pCi/l, the water supplier must determine the actual radioactive constituents present in the water to calculate the dose exposure level in mrem/year, and must report both the detected level and MCL as mrem/year.

[5] If the results of a monitoring sample analysis exceed the MCL, the water supplier shall collect one more sample from the same sampling point within two weeks of as soon as practical.  An MCL violation occurs when the average (rounded off to the same number of significant figures as the MCL for the contaminant in question) of the two results exceed the MCL.

[6] Million Fibers per Liter (MFL) – million fibers per liter is a measure of the presence of asbestos fibers that are longer than 10 micrometers

[7] Micrograms per liter (ug/l) or parts per billion (ppb).

[8] If arsenic is detected above 25 ug/l, but below 50 ug/l (the MCL) your Annual Water Quality Report must contain the following statement: “EPA is reviewing the drinking water standard for arsenic because of special concerns that it may not be stringent enough.  Arsenic is a naturally-occurring mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations.”

[9] If iron and manganese are present, the total concentration of both should not exceed 500 ug/l. 

[10] Nanograms per liter (ng/l) or parts per trillion (ppt).

[11] Unspecified Organic contaminant classification as defined in 10 NYCRR Part 5.

[12] Picograms per liter (pg/l) or parts per quadrillion (ppq).

[13] Principal Organic Contaminant classification as defined in 10 NYCRR Part 5.