HomeMy WebLinkAboutSAM-04-2023-193691.TIF North Carolina Division of Public I lealth
Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Ipidemiology Section
BIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS REPORT
Private well water information and recommendations
County: Catawba Name: Shirley Sherrill Sample ID Number: 193691
Location: 2725 S NC 16 Hwy,Newton NC 28658 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.)
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.
X 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 (1rinlang,
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
1J Private Well Information
STArfo",,
1.
_�_ �� and Use Recommendations
NC DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Public Health For Inorganic Chemical Contaminants
County: Catawba I Name: Shirley Sherrill—2725 S NC 16 Hwy, Newton NC 28658
Sample ID#: 193691 Reviewer: Megen McBride
TEST RESULTS AND USE RECOMMENDATIONS
1. El 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 only. You may
have other water sampling results that are not taken into account in this report.
2. ® 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.
❑ Arsenic ❑ Barium ❑ Cadmium ❑ Chromium ® Copper ❑ Fluoride ❑ Iron
® Lead ❑ Manganese ❑ Mercury ❑Nickel ❑ Selenium ❑ Silver ® Zinc
3. ❑ While your lead levels do not exceed federal or state standards,the North Carolina Division of Public I lealth 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 only, 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 El 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.igi Re-sampling is recommended in 1 months, to reinvestigate lead & copper
For more information regarding your well water results,please call the North Carolina Division of Public Health at 919-707-5900.
Total Coliform
Bacteria, E. coli &
PRIVATE WELLS 11) •
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What are total coliform bacteria
and E. coli? '04
Total coliform bacteria are a group of microorganisms found \ s_
in soil and surface water.Total coliform bacteria water tests
look at all coliform bacteria in water.This includes fecal
coliform bacteria,which are a group of bacteria found in the
intestines and feces of animals and humans.
E.coli or Escherichia coli is a type of fecal coliform bacteria.
There are many strains of E.coli. When should I be concerned
about coliform bacteria or E. coli?
How does coliform bacteria and You should be concerned if coliform bacteria or E.coli are
E. coli get in my private well water? present in your well water.
Rain may wash coliform bacteria or E.coli from soil on The NC Department of Environmental Quality
the surface to groundwater.Coliform bacteria or E.coli developed a groundwater standard of 1 colony of
can also enter your water if your private well is poorly coliform bacteria in 100 milliliters of water(colonies/
constructed,cracked or unsealed. mL).Ground water standards are developed to protect
public health.This standard was developed in 2013.
How can coliform bacteria The US Environmental Protection Agency requires
follow up testing and treatment when coliform bacteria
or E. coli affect my health? or E.coli is found in any public water supply system across
Most coliform bacteria and E.coli strains will not make you the country.Public drinking water guidance are based on
sick.The presence of some types of coliform bacteria in the public health protection and cost of treatment/testing at
water signal the presence of feces or sewage waste. Feces large utilities.These rules were established in 1989 and
and sewage wastes are usually the source of the disease- updated in 2014.
causing organisms.
Total coliform bacteria and E.coli water tests are used as How do I test for total coliform
indicators for the presence of disease-causing organisms. bacteria or E. coli in my
The following are some disease-causing organisms or private well?
pathogens that could be present in your water:
• Bacteria that cause diarrhea and vomiting, Use a certified lab to test your well water for coliform
• Protozoa that cause dysentery, bacteria and E.coli every year.Contact the private well
• Viruses that cause polio and hepatitis,and program at your county health department to assist you
• Helminths,such as roundworms and tapeworms, with getting your water tested.Pricing of testing varies
that cause chronic diarrhea. from county to county.
•
Percent of Private Wells Tested =11. °■ 7_
With Detection of E. coli, 2011-2013 '411111 4,0 t iv ii
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Percent of Private Wells Tested With - - ti=,�
Detection of Total Coliform, 2011-2013 f IA_ - 1�
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Insufficient data(<10 wells tested)
What if total coliform bacteria Where can I find more
or E. coli levels are present? information about total coliform
Shock chlorination is a method to remove bacteria bacteria, E. coli and my well?
contamination in private wells.If contamination persist Visit the NC Division of Public Health's Private Well and
you can install a treatment system to reduce the levels Health Program website:http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/
of bacteria in your private well.Treatment systems that oee/programs/wellwater.html.
reduce the level of bacteria in your well water include:
• Ultraviolet(UV)filtration treatment system There you can find:
• Contacts for your county private well program
You can also reduce your exposure by using bottled water • Total coliform bacteria or E.coli in well water maps
or connecting to public water supply,if possible. • A guide for selecting a treatment system
• Other private well resources
Where are total coliform bacteria You can also call the Private Well and Health Program
and E. coli found in NC? at 919-707-5900.
Coliform bacteria are detected throughout NC.About 260/0
of wells sampled for microbial contamination in NC from Where did this information come
2011 to 2013 tested positive for coliform bacteria.Yet, from?
there are several areas in NC with at least 50%of wells with
coliform bacteria present.See map for areas with high Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:www.cdc.gov/
coliform bacteria detections. healthywater/drinking/private/wells/disease/e coli.html
E.coli is detected throughout NC.About 2%of wells Environmental Protection Agency:https://safewater.
sampled for microbial contamination in NC from 2011 to zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/203309158-E-coli-0157-H7-
2013 tested positive for E.coli.Yet,there are several areas National Sanitation Foundation:www.nsf.org/consumer-
in NC with at least 25%of wells with E.coli present.See resources/water-quality/water-filters-testing-treatment/
map for areas with high E.coli detections. contaminant-reduction-claims-guide
• 1 xo�. NC Department of Health and Human Services• Division of Public Health •Epidemiology Section•Occupational and Environmental
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Lead & 1
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PRIVATE WELLS , .
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What is lead? w
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
Private Wells
with Detectable
Lead, 2011-2013
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- >25%with detectable lead
® 10-25%with detectable lead
1111.
<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:
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
wells sampled had detectable lead.See map for areas with Agency for Toxic Substances&Disease Registry:
detectable levels of lead. www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts13.pdf
World Health Organization:www.who.int/water
Where can I find more sanitation health/dwq/chemicals/lead.pdf
information about lead National Sanitation Foundation:www.nsf.org/consumer-
resources/what-is-nsf-certific tion/water-fiI ers-treatment-
and my well? certific tion/contaminant-reduction-claims-guide
Visit the NC Division of Public Health's Private Well and Water Quality Association:www.wga.org/Portals/0/
Health Program website:http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/ Technical!Technical%20Fact%205heets/2016 Lead.pdf
oee/programs/wellwater.htmll.
There you can find
• Contacts for your county private well program
• Lead in well water maps
• A guide for selecting a treatment system
• Other private well resources
P'II NC Department of Health and Human Services•Division of Public Health•Epidemiology Section•Occupational and Environmental
Epidemiology Branch•Private Well and Health Program•hops://epi.publichealth,nc gov/oeelprogramS/wellwdter,html•NCDHHS is an
•, N•.,hc,oo•, equal opportunity employer and provider.-09/2019
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Copper &
F $..
PRIVATE WELLS
4
What is copper? . -A; `
Copper is a natural element found in soil,water,air,and
rocks deep underground. Long term exposure to high levels of copper can cause
Copper is used to make wire,pipes,fittings,coins, anemia,liver poisoning,and kidney failure.
cooking utensils and sheet metal.Copper compounds are
used to treat mildew on plants,in water treatment and What level of copper should
preservatives for wood,leather and fabric.Copper is also
used to produce brass and bronze materials. I be concerned about?
The US Environmental Protection Agency
How does copper get in developed a public drinking water standard of
1.3 milligrams of copper per liter of water(mg/L).
my private well water? Public drinking water standards are based on public
Copper can enter your private well water from erosion health protection and cost of treatment/testing at
of rocks underground and leaching from soil into large utilities.This standard was developed in 1991
groundwater.Copper can also enter groundwater from and validated in 2007.
mining and manufacturing of copper products. The US Environmental Protection Agency and
Acidic water(water with low pH)can cause copper to NC Department of Environmental Quality developed
leach from pipes in the well components and home an aesthetic standard of 1.0 mg/L.This standard was
plumbing system. developed to prevent a metallic taste and blue-green
staining of water.
How can copper affect
my health? How do I test for copper in
Copper is an essential element,meaning your body needs my private well?
it in small amounts.It helps with many protein functions Use a certified lab to test your well water for copper
like energy production,skin pigmentation,and connective every two years,as part of the inorganic panel screen.
tissue maintenance and repair.However,drinking high Contact the private well program at your county health
levels of copper may cause adverse health effects.You can't department to assist you with getting your water tested.
smell copper.Copper may have a detectable taste and look. Pricing of testing varies from county to county.
Drinking high levels of copper over short periods of time
can lead to: What if my copper levels
• Nausea are high?
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps You can install a treatment system to reduce the levels of
• Diarrhea copper in your private well.
• Gastrointestinal illness
Percent of Private Wells Tested
Exceeding Federal Standards for
Copper, 2011-2013
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- >25%exceeded health standards
® 10-25%exceeded health standards
<10%exceeded health standards
0%exceeded health standards Ile
Insufficient data(<10 wells tested)
Treatment systems that reduce the levels of copper in your There you can find:
well water include: • Contacts for your county private well program
• Activated Carbon Filtration • Copper in well water maps
• Cation exchange,also known as a Water Softener • A guide for selecting a treatment system
• Distillation • Other private well resources
• Reverse osmosis You can also call the Private Well and Health Program
You can also reduce your exposure by using bottled water at 919-707-5900.
or connecting to public water supply,if possible.
Where did this information
Where is copper found in NC? come from?
Copper is found at low levels(0.05-8.96 mg/L)throughout Agency for Toxic Substances&Disease Registry:
NC.Less than 1%of wells sampled for copper in NC from www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts132.pdf
2011 to 2013 exceeded the federal standard(1.3 mg/L).
Yet,there are several areas in NC with at least 10%of wells World Health Organization:www.who.int/water
exceeding the federal standard.See map for areas with sanitation health/dwa/chemicals/copper.pdf
elevated copper. National Sanitation Foundation:www.nsf.org/consumer-
resources/what-is-nsf-certification/water-filters-treatment-
Where can I find more certification/contaminant-reduction-claims-guide
information about copper Water Quality Association:www.wga.org/Portals/0/
Technical/Technical%20Fact%205heets/2015 Cooner.pdf
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.
NC De 7*yDepartment of Health and Human Services•Division of Public Health•Epidemiology Section•Occupational and Environmental
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Zinc & Yikler
PRIVATE WELLS
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What is zinc? + It
Zinc is a natural element found in rocks deep
underground,air,soil,and water.Zinc is found in What level of zinc should I be
the environment as zinc compounds joined to other
elements like chloride,oxygen and sulfur. concerned about?
Zinc is used to produce metals,batteries,and pennies. The NC Department of Environmental Quality
Zinc is also used as a metal coating to prevent rust. developed a groundwater standard of 1 milligrams
Zinc compounds are used to make paint,rubber,dyes,
of zinc per liter of water(mg/L).Ground water
ointments,and wood preservatives.
standards are developed to protect public health.
This standard was developed in 2013.
How does zinc get in my The US Environmental Protection Agency
developed an aesthetic standard of 5 mg/L.This
private well water? standard was developed to prevent metallic taste.
Zinc compounds can enter your private well water
from erosion of rocks underground.Zinc can also enter How do I test for zinc in
groundwater from industrial practices like mining,steel
production,coal burning,and burning of waste. my private well?
Use a certified lab to test your well water for zinc
How can zinc affect my health? every two years,as part of the inorganic panel screen.
Contact the private well program at your county
Zinc is an essential element,meaning your body health department to assist you with getting your
needs it small amounts. It helps with enzyme water tested.Pricing of testing varies from county
function,structure,and regulation throughout the to county.
body.However,drinking high levels of zinc may
cause adverse health effects.You can't smell or see What if my zinc levels are high?
zinc.Zinc may have a detectable taste.
Drinking high levels of zinc over short periods can You can install a treatment system to reduce the
lead to: levels of zinc in your private well.Installing a filtration
• Stomach cramps treatment system can reduce the level of zinc in your
well water.
• Nausea
• Vomiting You can also reduce your exposure by using bottled
Drinking high levels of zinc over long periods can water or connecting to public water supply,if possible.
cause anemia,decreased good cholesterol levels and
reduced copper absorption.
Percent of Private Wells Tested
Exceeding State Standards for
Zinc, 2011-2013
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III. 10-25%exceeded health standards
<10%exceeded health standards - r
0%exceeded health standards
Insufficient data(<10 wells tested)
Where is zinc found in NC? Where did this information
Zinc is found at low levels(0.05-43 mg/L)throughout come from?
NC.About 8%of wells sampled for zinc in NC from Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry:
2011 to 2013 exceeded the N.C.Department of www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts60.pdf
Environmental Quality groundwater standard
(1 mg/L). Yet,there are several areas in NC with at World Health Organization:www.who.int/water
least 10%of wells exceeding state standards.See sanitation health/dwq/chemicals/zinc.pdf
map for areas with elevated zinc. National Sanitation Foundation:www.nsf.org/
consumer-resources/water-quality/water-filters-
Where can I find more testing-treatment/contaminant-reduction-
information about zinc and claims guide
my well? King,J.C.The American journal of clinical
nutrition Zinc an essential but elusive nutrient
Visit the NC Division of Public Health's Private Well 2011:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/
and Health Program website:http://epi.publichealth. PMC3142737/pdf/ajcn94206795.pdf
nc.gov/oee/programs/wellwater.html.
There you can find:
• Contacts for your county private well program
• Zinc 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.
4,, i ... NC Department of Health and Human Services•Division of Public Health•Epidemiology Section•Occupational and Environmental
3$ t." \L IAA Epidemiology Branch•Private Well and Health Program•httos://eoi.oublichealth,nc.aov/oee/programs/wellwater.html•NCDHHS is an
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