Common Contaminants

Bacteria & Parasites

Microbiological contamination of public drinking water is an ongoing concern of the public in the United States & Canada. From the 1920’s through to the 1960’s, the bacillus which causes typhoid fever was considered a major problem in the water supply and took years to eradicate. Once municipalities and other government entities eradicated it other bacterias and parasites took it’s place. Essentially there will always be some sort of bacteria in public drinking water, some more harmful than others.

Throughout the growing season in rural areas there are often “boiler your water” warnings from municipalities for their drinking water whenever bacteria or other pollutants have infiltrated the water supply. Bacteria and parasites can represent a major threat to your health and often result in severe cramps, diarrhea or worse.

Pesticides

Pesticides are common in rural drinking water from wells and even municipal water supplies. Pesticides are commonly used in agriculture to control insects and throughout the golf industry to ensure lush and beautiful greens and fairways. Pesticides are a major threat to the health of you and your family.

Inorganic Materials

Elements such as lead, mercury, asbestos, nitrates, copper, fluoride, arsenic, barium, and a variety of other materials are commonly found in drinking water.

Herbicides

Compounds such as PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyl), and numerous other chemical compounds used in agriculture can commonly be found in drinking water.

Organic Contaminants

A variety of compounds from sewage, industrial solvents, fuel by-products, decaying materials and more can be found in drinking water that hasn’t been properly treated.

Radio Nuclides

It’s fairly uncommon but it has been known to happen that uranium deposits from radioactive waste has been found in drinking water.