In each of the private wells included in the NC PWWS we will look for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), metals, anions, and coliform bacteria. We also look for pesticides and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in private wells.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds are a group of chemicals which are distinguished by their ability to evaporate into the air at typical air temperatures. These chemicals, often shortened to VOCs, have been used heavily in commercial and household products since in the 1940s. Despite their tendency to evaporate, VOCs are a health hazard when dissolved in drinking water. VOCs can have both short and long term effects depending on the chemical and ranging from cancer to problems with the nervous system.
Metals
Metals Found in Nature
Many metals in drinking water are found in nature. They are found naturally in soils and, at low levels, are safe to drink. Some metals are not only safe in low concentrations, but also vital for human health. For example, manganese is an important mineral to forming connective tissues, bones, and blood-clotting factors as well as maintaining a proper metabolism in trace amounts. However, metals can be found in drinking water at unsafe levels due to mining and burning of fossil fuels. When the level of manganese in drinking water is above the EPA recommended level, manganese can cause hallucinations, forgetfulness, respiratory issues, and nerve damage.
Metals Related to Plumbing
Metals used in plumbing materials can be found in drinking water due to corrosion. Two of these metals that we look for in this study are lead and copper. Lead and copper are especially dangerous for children, infants, and unborn children because they take in the metals faster than adults and they are still developing.
Anions
Anions are negatively charged atoms and molecules. Common anions we look for in drinking water samples include bromide, nitrite, chloride, phosphate, fluoride, sulfate, and nitrate. High levels of nitrate in drinking water is particularly an issue for babies and toddlers due to the causation of methemoglobinemia, more commonly known as “blue baby” disease. This can cause anoxia, in which the baby is unable to carry oxygen in the blood, hence the name of the disease. Nitrate can also be an issue from its tendency to form nitrosamine, a well-documented carcinogen.
Coliform Bacteria
Coliform bacteria in the drinking water can cause diarrhea and alerts us that other harmful organisms may be in the water. High levels of coliform bacteria may indicate issues with the well or the septic system. To limit the levels of coliform bacteria, it is important to place the septic system as far from the well as possible. Septic system maintenance should be conducted often to keep drinking water safe.
Pesticides
Pesticides are chemicals designed to kill insects, weeds, or plant diseases. They might be used in agriculture, home gardening, and termite treatment. Pesticides serve an important role in each of these uses, but they may have a negative effect on human health. There are some pesticides for which regulatory agencies have developed “safe levels” in drinking water. However, many pesticides are unregulated and therefore do not have an officially recognized “safe level.”
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been manufactured and used in a variety of industries around the globe, including in the United States, since the 19403. Two PFAS, PFOA and PFOS, have been extensively produced and studied and both chemicals are very persistent in the environment and in the human body. This means that they don’t break down and they can build up in the environment and in the human body over time. There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse human health effects.
PFAS can be found in:
- Food packaged in PFAS-containing materials, processed with equipment that used PFAS, or grown in PFAS-contaminated soil or water.
- Commercial household products, including stain- and water-repellent fabrics, nonstick products (e.g. Teflon pans), polishes, waxes, paints, cleaning products, and fire-fighting foams.
- Workplace, including production facilities or industries (e.g. chrome plating, electronics manufacturing or oil recovery).
- Drinking water, typically localized and associated with a specific facility (e.g. a manufacturer, landfill, wastewater treatment plant, or firefighting training facility).
- Living organisms, including fish, animals, and humans where PFAS have the ability to build up and persist over time.