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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWELL-09-2021-157763.TIF North Carolina Division of Public Health Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Epidemiology Section BIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS REPORT Private well water information and recommendations County: Catawba Name: Marc Schmitt Sample ID Number: 157763 Location: 4683 Cayton Dr, Maiden NC 28650 Reviewer: Megen McBride Initial Sample X Confirmation Sample: BIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USES OF YOUR PRIVATE WELL WATER(These recommendations are based on biological analysis only.) X No coliform bacteria were found in your well water. Your water can be used for all purposes including drinking, cooking,washing dishes, bathing and showering. Total coliform bacteria were detected in your water sample. Total Coliform are a group of related bacteria that are(with few exceptions)not harmful to humans. A variety of bacteria, parasites, and viruses, known as pathogens, can potentially cause health problems if humans ingest them. EPA considers total coliforms a useful indicator of other pathogens for drinking water. Total coliforms are used to determine the adequacy of water treatment and the integrity of the distribution system It is recommended that your well water be re-tested to verify that the result is accurate. Fecal coliform bacteria were detected in the sample. Do not use the water for drinking, cooking,washing dishes, bathing or showering. If the re-test shows contamination by bacteria contact your local health department for assistance. There may be a problem with the construction of the well,the groundwater source,or operation of the well.The well needs to be inspected by the local health department or a local well contractor to determine the problem with the well and to give guidance on how to correct the problem. Your well water was tested for biological contaminants(total coliform and fecal coliform bacteria). The results were evaluated using the federal drinking water standards. Drinking water may contain substances that can occur naturally in water or can be introduced into water from man-made sources.Total coliform bacteria are found in soil and fecal coliform bacteria are found in animal and human waste. Total coliform or fecal coliform bacteria in well water indicate that the well may have structural problems or that the well was not properly disinfected. If you have been drinking the well water and are pregnant, nursing, have a child in the household under 5 years of age,or immunocompromised(such as an individual with AIDS, cancer, hepatitis,dialysis or surgical procedures) inform your physician of these results at your next visit. If the contamination continues, you should investigate the possibility of drilling a new well or installing a point-of-entry disinfection unit which can use chlorine, ultraviolet light, or ozone. For further information please contact your county health department or the Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch at 919-707-5900. N 0 R T H C A R 0 L I N A Private Well Information $a and Use Recommendations NC DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Division of Public Health For Inorganic Chemical Contaminants County:I Catawba Name: Marc Schmitt—4683 Cayton Dr, Maiden NC 28650 Sample ID#: 157763 Reviewer: Megen McBride TEST RESULTS AND USE RECOMMENDATIONS 1. ® Your well water meets federal drinking water standards for inorganic chemicals. Your water can be used for drinking, cooking,washing,cleaning, bathing, and showering based on the inorganic chemical results on(v. You may have other water sampling results that are not taken into account in this report. 2. El The following substance(s)exceeded federal drinking water standards or the North Carolina 2L calculated health levels. The North Carolina Division of Public Health recommends that your well water not be used for drinking and cooking, unless you install a water treatment system to remove the circled substance(s). However, it may be used for washing, cleaning, bathing and showering based on the inorganic chemical results only. El Arsenic El Barium ❑ Cadmium ❑ Chromium ❑ Copper n Fluoride El Iron ❑ Lead ❑ Manganese El Mercury ❑Nickel ❑Nitrate/Nitrite ❑ Selenium ❑ Silver ❑ Zinc 3. ® While your lead levels do not exceed federal or state standards,the North Carolina Division of Public Health has concerns with any detection of lead. Should you have any questions please contact the NC Private Well and Health Program at(919) 707-5900. 4. ® Re-sample for lead and /or copper. Take a first draw and 30-second flush sample inside the house (preferably the kitchen sink)and a first draw and 4 minutes flush sample at the wellhead to determine the source of lead and/or copper. 5. ® The following substance(s)exceeded aesthetic drinking water standards. Your water can be used for drinking, cooking,washing,cleaning, bathing, and showering based on the inorganic chemical results on.v, but aesthetic problems such as bad taste, odor, staining of porcelain, etc. may occur. You may want to install a household water treatment system to address aesthetic problems. El Chloride ❑ Copper ❑ Fluoride ® Iron ® Manganese El pH El Silver ® Sulfate n Zinc 6. ® a. Sodium levels exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) Health Advisory level for sodium of 20 mg/I. The North Carolina Division of Public Health recommends that only individuals on no or low sodium-restricted diets not use this water for drinking or cooking. It may be used for washing,cleaning, bathing, and showering based on the inorganic chemical results on(v. ® b. Your sodium level exceeds 30 mg/I and may pose aesthetic issues such as bad taste, odor, staining of porcelain, etc. 7. El Re-sampling is recommended in months,to reinvestigate For more information regarding your well water results,please call the North Carolina Division of Public Health at 919-707-5900. Iron & PRIVATE WELLS What is iron? Iron is a natural element found in rocks deep underground.Iron is found in the environment as What level of iron should iron compounds joined to other elements like sulfur, I be concerned about? carbon,and oxygen. Iron is used for constructional material and pipes. The NC Department of Environmental Quality Iron compounds are used as pigments in paint and calculated a health based value of 2.5 milligrams of plastics.Iron compounds are also used in water- iron per liter of water(mg/L).This calculation was treatment plants as a coagulant. developed with consideration of health effects in 2017. The US Environmental Protection Agency and How does iron get in NC Department of Environmental Quality developed an aesthetic standard of 0.3 mg/L.This my private well water? standard was developed to prevent staining,rusty Iron compounds can enter your private well water color and metallic taste. from erosion of rocks underground. Iron can also enter groundwater from industrial practices.Acidic How do I test for iron water(water with low pH)can make iron compounds more soluble. in my private well? Use a certified lab to test your well water for iron How can iron affect my health? every two years,as part of the inorganic panel screen.Contact the private well program at your Iron is an essential element,meaning your body county health department to assist you with getting needs it in small amounts.It helps with oxygen your water tested.Pricing of testing varies from transport,electron transport,and deoxyribonucleic county to county. acid (DNA)synthesis.However,drinking high levels of iron may cause adverse health effects.You can't What if my iron levels are high? smell iron.Iron may have a detectable taste or have a rusty color. You can install a treatment system to reduce the levels High levels of iron can cause gastrointestinal of iron in your private well.Treatment systems that problems.For people with preexisting conditions, reduce the levels of iron in your well water include: like hemochromatosis,drinking high levels of iron • Oxidizing filters may cause heart,liver and pancreas toxicity. • Cation exchange,also known as a Water Softener You can also reduce your exposure by using bottled water or connecting to public water supply,if possible. Percent of Private Wells Tested Exceeding Federal Standards for Iron, 2011-2013 ., r iiii 46, .;" , , "'"r7.7" . it. 001 A IL* 447R. ,4 ___ . ...401(Ap Av. „A . - >25%exceeded health standards - 10-25%exceeded health standards <10%exceeded health standards Mr1011, '. 0%exceeded health standards Insufficient data(<10 wells tested) Where is iron found in NC? Where did this information Iron is found at low levels(0.1-62 mg/L)throughout come from? NC.About 6%of wells sampled for iron in NC from World Health Organization:www.who.int/water 2011 to 2013 exceeded the state health-based value sanitation health/dwq/chemicals/iron.pdf (2.5 mg/L).Yet,there are several areas in NC with at least 10%of wells exceeding the state health-based Nazanin Abbaspour et al.Journal of Research in Medical Sciences Review on iron and its importance value.See map for areas with elevated iron. for human health 2014:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pmc/articles/PMC3999603/ Where can I find more information about iron and my well? Visit the NC Division of Public Health's Private Well and Health Program website:http://epi.publichealth. ,, nc.gov/oee/programs/wellwater.html. I ` � f Y fa There you can find: - • Contacts for your county private well program • Iron in well water maps � . • A guide for selecting a treatment system I ' a . . ,• • Other private well resources — )t`1,Sii '''.— ' — Aia. You can also call the Private Well and Health Program 111 ' at 919-707-5900. OT`a, NC Department of Health and Human Services•Division of Public Health•Epidemiology section•Occupational and Environmental v`" Epidemiology Branch•Private Well and Health Program•httos-/eoi.oubiicheaith.nc.nov/oee/oroorams/wellwater.html •NCDHHS is an Aio ,' wdr•.dMa equal opportunity employer and provider.•09/2019 if y Lead & . • .PRIVATE WELLS ..:., 1 t 4. k . I 9 ell' illik What is lead? a Lead is a natural element found in rocks deep underground and soil.Most of the lead found in the What level of lead should I be environment is due to human activities including burning fossil fuels,mining,and industrial activities. concerned about? Lead compounds are used to make batteries,cable The US Environmental Protection Agency'developed sheathing,pigments,rust inhibitors,ammunition, a public drinking water standard of 0.015 milligrams and plastic stabilizers.Lead is also used to make of lead per liter of water(mg/L).Public drinking water solder and brass fittings used in ell components standards are based on public health protection and and home plumbing. cost of treatment/testing at large utilities.This standard was developed with consideration of best treatment technology for a public water system in 1991 and was How does lead get in my validated in 2017. private well water? The NC Department of Environmental Quality adopted Lead compounds can enter your private well water the same level in 2013. from erosion of rocks underground or leaching from There are no other standards for lead,however the well components or home plumbing.Lead can also US Environmental Protection Agency and enter groundwater from industrial practices. US Center for Disease Control and Prevention Acidic water(water with low pH)can make lead state that no lead level is safe. compounds more soluble. How do I test for lead in my How can lead affect my health? private well? Lead is not an essential element,meaning your body Use a certified lab o test your well water for lead every does not need it.You can't see,smell,or taste lead. two years,as part of the inorganic panel screen. Drinking high levels of lead over short periods of time Contact the private well program at your county health can lead to: department to assist you with getting your water tested. • Changes in mood Pricing of testing varies from county to county. • Stomach cramps • Muscle tremors What if my lead levels are high? • Weakness in finger ,wrist,or ankles You can install a treatment system to reduce the levels of Higher levels of lead can cause kidney and brain damage. lead in your private well.Treatment systems that reduce Drinking lead over long periods of time may cause the levels of lead in your well water include: reduced nervous system function affecting memory, • Activated carbon filt ation behavior,and attention span. • Distillation • Reverse osmosis Ay Private Wells with Detectable Lead, 2011-2013 ipp__r . mtivirwiffluN. . , " lei 1—;-... .thil - All •• 111;iO4''w?Tileigt1104 i_ Ord I I !litirawalltilk 6. r .�. V ■ ,,....., 9 ->25%with detectable lead - 10-25%with detectable lead 4#111147 <10%with detectable lead 0%with detectable lead Insufficient data(<10 wells tested) You can also reduce your exposure by using bottled water You can also call the Private Well and Health Program or connecting to public water supply,if possible. at 919-707-5900. Where is lead found in NC? Where did this information Lead is found at low levels(0.005-0.701 mg/L)throughout come from? °,:. NC.About 3%of wells sampled for lead in NC from 2011 Center for Disease Control and Prevention: `'Y`'' to 2013 exceeded the federal/state standard(0.015 mg/L). www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/ -" - Yet,there are several areas in NC where at least 10%of 4 wells sampled had detectable lead.See map for areas with Agency for Toxic Substances&Disease Registry: e:;4, detectable levels of lead. www•atsdr,cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfactsl 3.pdf World Health Organization:www.who.int/water Where can I find more sanitation health/dwq/chemicals/lead.odf - information about lead National Sanitation Foundation:www.nsf.org/consumer- and my well? resources/what-is-nsf-certific tion/water-fil ers-treatment- certific tion/contaminant-reduction-claims-guide Visit the NC Division of Public Health's Private Well and Water Quality Association:www.wqa.org/Portals/0/ Health Program website:http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/ Technical/Technical%20Fact%20Sheets/2016 Lead.pdf . oee/Drograms/wellwater.html. i " There you can find • Contacts for your county private well program • Lead in well water maps , • Aguide for selectinga treatment system t.°�: Y • Other private well resources '""4 A1 NC Department of Health and Human Services•Division of Public Health•Epidemiology Section•Occupational and Environmental to 3 Epidemiology Branch•Private Well and Health Program•httpsJ/eoi,publichealth,nc.00v/oee/programs/wellwater,html•NCOHHS is an 4;,._r.' Not dcrohm equal opportunity employer and provider.•09/2019 v.w.11«21A Total Hardness, t Calcium, . , „,„ Magnesium & PRIVATE WELLS • What are total hardness, • calcium, and magnesium? F , ' Total hardness is a measurement of the amount of dissolved141 ..,. minerals in your water.Hard water has high levels of calcium, magnesium,and other metals.Hardness is often referred to as the ability of your well water to react with soaps. Magnesium is an essential element,meaning your body needs it.It helps with energy metabolism,protein Calcium and magnesium are natural elements found in synthesis,vascular tone,and insulin sensitivity.You rocks deep underground.They contribute to the hardness can't see or smell magnesium.Magnesium may have a of your well water. detectable taste. • Only people with preexisting kidney problems may How do calcium and magnesium be affected by drinking high levels of magnesium because it can cause diarrhea or laxative effects. get in my private well water? Calcium and magnesium can enter your private well water from erosion of rocks underground. What level of total hardness, calcium, and magnesium How can total hardness, should I be concerned about? calcium, and magnesium The US Environmental Protection Agency or affect my health? NC Department of Environmental Quality have not developed standards for total hardness,calcium, Total hardness is not an essential element,meaning or magnesium. your body does not need it.You can't see or smell total hardness.Total hardness may have a detectable taste. The World Quality Association developed a degree • Total hardness may cause dry,itchy skin and scalp. of hardness standard: Calcium is an essential element,meaning your body Degree of Hardness Milligrams per liter of water(mg/L) needs it.It helps with bone development,kidney function, Soft <17.0 metabolism,vascular contraction,blood clotting,muscle Slightly Hard 17.1 -60 contraction and nerve transmission.You can't see or smell Moderately Hard 60.1 -120 calcium.Calcium may have a detectable taste. • Only people with preexisting conditions,like Hard 120.1 -180 milk alkali syndrome and hypercalcemia,may be Very Hard >180 affected by drinking high levels of calcium because Hard water can lead to technical effects in the well such as: it can interfere with the absorption of other • High soap usage essential elements. • Mineral deposits on dishes • Scale build up in sinks,tubs Private Well Total Hardness, 2011-2013 - - min liliVir _1y► .. , • I f ill liklik f .210 g. ,_ , ,irir - - -- Psi ,---—1--I ! 1E7E7 /a ‘,,, . :::i::-.!,1-; 4.II fiti 1111-1411 —'-- ' /' ►� 7 ■ IC e 7.7:: -Very Hard /�MN Hardy MN Moderately Hard -_ ■■� 711 Slightly Hard Soft \ ■ Insufficient data(<10 wells tested) \Pill to How do I test for total hardness, Where can I find more calcium, and magnesium in my information about total private well? hardness, calcium, and gi<. ium and nes You can use a certified lab or buy test kits at your local magnesium my well? home improvement store to test for total hardness,calcium, Visit the NC Division of Public Health's Private Well and and magnesium.Contact the private well program at your Health Program website:http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/ '" g, county health department to assist you with getting your oee/programs/wellwater.htmt. water tested.Pricing of testing varies from county to county. There you can find: • Contacts for your county private well program Where is total hardness, calcium, • Total hardness,calcium,and magnesium in well and magnesium found in NC? water maps • A guide for selecting a treatment system Calcium and magnesium contribute to the total hardness in . Other private well resources your water.Calcium ranges from 1-400 mg/L and magnesium ranges from 1-600 mg/L in private well water throughout You can also call the Private Well and Health Program the state.Total hardness in private well water varies across at 919-707-5900. NC(3-2,600 mg/L),see map for areas with hard water. Where did this information What if my water is hard? come from? If you are concerned about the taste of your well water,you World Health Organization:www.who.int/water can install a treatment system to reduce the levels of total sanitation health/Dublications/Dublication hardness,calcium,and magnesium in your private well. 9789241563550/en/ Cation exchange,also known as a Water Softener,is a Water Quality Association:www.wqa.org/learn-about- treatment system that can reduce the levels of total water/perceptible-issues/scale-deposits hardness,calcium,and magnesium in your well water. NC Department of Health and Human Services•Division of Public Health•Epidemiology Section•Occupational and Environmental ' j \C l 1 Epidemiology Branch•Private Well and Health Program•httos://eoi.oublichealth.nc gov/oee/orograms/wellwater.html•NCDHHS is an u•PubaNec•••�.• equal opportunity employer and provider.•09/2019 lic ahl. Fir 1 Sodium & --........--,, o ; e r PRIVATE WELLS ,,, #::, „Li_ , , . _ ., , irr.^ dr /i/ gilitopere„ What is sodium? 1 Sodium is a natural element found in soil,water,and rocks deep underground.Sodium is found in the Higher levels of sodium can cause: environment as salts bound to chloride,carbonate, . Vomiting hypochlorite,and silicate. • Nausea Sodium is used in water softener treatment systems, • Gastrointestinal issues disinfectants,and pH adjustment to produce • Muscular twitch industrial chemicals.Sodium salts are used in • Convulsions snow/ice control and production of paper,glass, Drinking high levels of sodium over long periods may soap,pharmaceuticals,chemical and food. lead to death. Along the coast,seawater can influence the amount of sodium in groundwater.This is known What level of sodium should as saltwater intrusion. I be concerned about? The US Environmental Protection Agency How does sodium get developed a health advisory of 20 milligrams in my private well water? of sodium per liter of water(mg/L).Health Sodium can enter your private well water from advisories are non-enforceable guidance levels erosion of rocks underground.Rain may wash sodium developed to protect public health.This advisory from de-icing salts and industrial activities on the level was developed to protect the development of surface to groundwater.Water softener treatment hypertension for people on restricted sodium in 2003. systems increase the amount of sodium in water. In addition,the US Environmental Protection Agency developed an aesthetic standard of 30-60 mg/L.This How can sodium affect standard was developed to prevent a salty taste. my health? Sodium is an essential element,meaning your body How do I test for sodium needs it in small amounts.It helps with regulation in my private well? of osmolarity and fluids within the body.However, Use a certified lab to test your well water for sodium drinking high levels of sodium may cause adverse every two years,as part of the inorganic panel health effects.You can't see or smell sodium.Sodium screen.Contact the private well program at your may have a detectable taste. county health department to assist you with getting Drinking high levels of sodium over short periods can your water tested.Pricing of testing varies from lead to hypertension. county to county. Percent of Private Wells Tested Exceeding Federal Guidance for Sodium, 2011-2013 Asawriiiine,;1 LV2Prfrillittlit jitafjp. , Nog 00's ram` NIF ti �a�#, mik • • _ >25%exceeded health guidance 10-25%exceeded health guidance <10%exceeded health guidance Nit 1 0%exceeded health guidance Insufficient data(<10 wells tested) Where is sodium found in NC? Where can I find more Sodium is found at varying levels(1-3,900 mg/L) information about sodium throughout NC.About 149'o of wells sampled for and my well? sodium in NC from 2011 to 2013 exceeded the Visit the NC Division of Public Health's Private Well federal advisory level(20 mg/L).Yet,there are and Health Program website:http://epi.publichealth. several areas in NC with more than 25%of wells nc.gov/oee/programs/wellwater.html. exceeding the federal guidance.See map for areas with elevated sodium. There you can find: • Contacts for your county private well program • Sodium in well water maps What if my sodium levels • A guide for selecting a treatment system are high? • Other private well resources If you are concerned about the taste of your well You can also call the Private Well and Health Program water or have a preexisting condition,you can install at 919-707-5900. a treatment system to reduce the levels of sodium in your private well.Treatment systems that reduce the Where did this information levels of sodium in your well water include: • Distillation come from? • Reverse osmosis World Health Organization:www.who.int/water_ You can also reduce your exposure by using bottled sanitation_health/dwq/chemicals/sodium.pdf water or connecting to public water supply,if possible. US Environmental Protection Agency:www.epa. gov/sites/production/files/2014-09/documents/ support_cc1_sodium_dwreport.pdf US Geological Survey:http://water.usgs.gov/ogw/ gwrp/saltwater/salt.html .44:5 \ i NC Department of Health and Human Services•Division of Public Health•Epidemiology Section•Occupational and Environmental • a, l Epidemiology Branch•Private Well and Health Program•bttos;//epi,oublichealth.ncaov/oee%orograms/wellwater.html•NCDHHS is an wormh,a.dw equal opportunity employer and provider.•09/2019 P Nra11M Sulfate & • PRIVATE WELLS I v What is sulfate? Sulfate is a form of sulfur,a natural element.Sulfate is found in rocks deep underground,mineral deposits and soil.Sulfate is found in the environment joined to other elements like sodium,calcium and magnesium. These form sulfate salts or sulfates. Sulfates are used to produce fertilizers,chemicals, What level of sulfate should dyes,glass,paper,soaps,textiles,pesticides,and I be concerned about? some medical supplies.Sulfates are also used in mining,metal industries,sewage and drinking The US Environmental Protection Agency and water treatment. NC Department of Environmental Quality developed an aesthetic standard of 250 mg/L.This How do sulfate get in standard was developed to prevent a salty taste. my private well water? How do I test for sulfate in Sulfate can enter your private well water from my private well? erosion of rocks and minerals underground.Rain may wash sulfate from soil on the surface to Use a certified lab or purchase test kits at your local groundwater.Sulfate can also enter groundwater home improvement store to measure sulfate in your well from industrial practices. water.Contact the private well program at your county health department to assist you with getting your water How can sulfate affect tested.Pricing of testing varies from county to county. my health? What if my sulfate levels Sulfate is not an essential element,meaning your are high? body does not need it.You can't smell or see sulfate. Sulfate may have a detectable salty taste.Drinking If you are concerned about possible laxative effect high levels of sulfate can have a laxative effect. or the taste of your well water,you can install a treatment system.Treatment systems that reduce the levels of sulfate in your well water include: - Distillation • Reverse Osmosis You can also reduce your exposure by using bottled water or connecting to public water supply,if possible. Private Well Median Concentration of Sulfate, 2011-2013 iii � i�r � 1 1 ->250.1 mg!L Si It?* I= 100.1-250.0 mg!L 25.1-100.0 mg/L. <25.0 mg/L Insufficient data(<10 wells tested) Where is sulfate found in NC? Where did this information Sulfate varies across NC(5-1,800 mg/L),see map for come from? areas with elevated sulfate(>250 mg/L). US Environmental Protection Agency:www.epa. fa ov/s ites/prod u ctio n/files/2014-09/documents/ Where can I find more support cc1 sulfate healtheffects.pdf information about sulfate World Health Organization:www.who.int/water and my well? sanitation health/dwq/chemicals/sulfate.pdf Visit the NC Division of Public Health's Private Well National Sanitation Foundation:www.nsforg/ and Health Program website:http://epi.publichealth. consumer-resources/what-is-nsf-certification/ nc.gov/oee/programs/wellwater.html. water-filters-treatment-certification/contaminant- reduction-claims-guide There you can find: • Contacts for your county private well program • Sulfate in well water maps • A guide for selecting a treatment system • Other private well resources You can also call the Private Well and Health Program at 919-707-5900. * f NC Department of Health and Human Services•Division of Public Health•Epidemiology Section•Occupational and Environmental 14I Epidemiology Branch•Private Well and Health Program•httas://eoi,oublichealth.nc,gov/oee/orograms/wellwater.html •NCDHHS is an •��^� NordGro6.a equal opportunity employer and provider.•09/2019 rehk xrahh