H2S gives water a distinctive "rotten egg" odor
Sulfur bacteria can be found in pipes and well water.
Produces a slime that can clog wells and plumbing as sulfur bacteria.
Can cause black stains on silverware/plumbing fixtures and corrosion on pipes/metal components of water distribution systems.
Hydrogen Sulfide
back
Iron
back
Iron is one of Earth's most plentiful resources
Iron enters the water supply through groundwater
Concentrations of iron as low as 0.3 mg/L can leave reddish-brown stains on fixtures, tableware and laundry that can be difficult to remove.
Iron combined with certain strains of bacteria can form a smelly biofilm.
Lead
back
Dangerous levels of lead have been found in drinking water in some US cities. An estimated 2000 water systems have been identified to contain lead throughout the country.
How does lead get into the water supply in the first place?
Corrosion is a natural process that occurs between water and the pipes that transport the water to your home
Safety concerns
Real World Impacts
Lingering Questions
Contributing Factors
The EPA states that these factors lead to the likelihood of corroded lead:
High acidity of water
Low mineral content
Lack of protective coating/scales on plumbing
Pipes that already exhibit amount of wear
Some additional factors to consider are:
Exposure will vary due to service lines in the area
According to the EPA, there are 9 million homes that have lead service lines
Contributing Factors
Lingering Questions
Real World Impacts
Safety concerns
Lead is a chemical element found in the Earths crust
Based on the potential impacts of lead, the EPA regulates acceptable levels of lead in drinking water
The EPA has set the maximum contaminant level goal for lead at zero
Since the 1980s, due to federal and state regulations, lead based products can no longer be purchased
Industrial sources and contaminated areas can increase the concentration of lead in nearby soil and air
Tannins
back
Also known as fulvic or humic acid, tannins are more common in surface water supplies.
Tannins are a form of decayed organic matter (primarily from vegetation) that dissolve into water and shallow wells rather than in deep water.
Tannins do not pose a health issue but can stain fabrics and fixtures yellow
They create unique problems like an unappealing color, a plant-like odor and unpleasant tangy after taste.
