This system was not included in federal PFAS monitoring
FYI▾
Should I be concerned?
This system serves fewer than 3,300 people and was not required to participate in EPA UCMR5 testing. Absence of data is not the same as absence of contamination.
Federal Maximum Contaminant Level. The legally enforceable EPA drinking-water standard.
What is it?
A screening test that measures total alpha radiation from all radioactive elements in water — including radium, uranium, and radon.
Why it matters
The MCL of 15 pCi/L protects against long-term cancer risk from radiation exposure.
What to do
No action needed at typical detection levels. If near the MCL, reverse osmosis and ion exchange filters can reduce radioactive contaminants.
Nitrate (as N)▸
2.3 mg/L
Reference: MCL
Federal Maximum Contaminant Level. The legally enforceable EPA drinking-water standard.
What is it?
Comes from fertilizer runoff, septic systems, and erosion of natural deposits. One of the most common groundwater contaminants in agricultural areas.
Why it matters
Nitrate above 10 mg/L can cause "blue baby syndrome" (methemoglobinemia) in infants under 6 months — it interferes with blood's ability to carry oxygen. Adults can tolerate higher levels.
What to do
If you have an infant on formula and your water is above 5 mg/L, consider using bottled water for formula preparation. Boiling water does NOT remove nitrate — it concentrates it.
What the research says
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have found neural tube defects, preterm birth, and low birth weight at concentrations as low as 5 mg/L — 2x below the US federal limit.
Federal Maximum Contaminant Level. The legally enforceable EPA drinking-water standard.
What is it?
A naturally occurring radioactive metal found in some groundwater, especially in granite and volcanic rock formations. Common in the western US.
Why it matters
The MCL of 20 pCi/L (or 0.030 mg/L) protects against kidney toxicity and cancer risk. Uranium is both a chemical toxin and a radiological hazard.
What to do
Reverse osmosis and ion exchange filters can reduce uranium. If your system uses groundwater in a uranium-bearing geology, a point-of-use filter is good protection.
WHO recommendation
Sodium▸
11.5 mg/L
Reference: WHO guideline
World Health Organization drinking-water guideline. International guidance, not legally enforced in the US.
What is it?
Naturally present in most water sources. Also increases from road salt, water softeners, and natural mineral deposits.
Why it matters
There is no federal MCL for sodium. The WHO suggests a guideline of 200 mg/L for people on sodium-restricted diets. For most people, sodium in water is a small fraction of dietary intake.
What to do
If you're on a sodium-restricted diet and your water is above 20 mg/L, talk to your doctor. For most people, no action needed.
% of limit
Other measurements
These describe characteristics of the water that aren’t health risks at typical levels — mineral content, taste, hardness, and similar.