Nice chart and information from the Dept of health NY for those who may be interested. From
Preparing Your Drinking Water Annual Water Quality Report Guidance for Water Suppliers
Contaminant Units MCL MCLG Sources in Drinking Water Health Effects Language
Microbiological Contaminants
Total Coliform Bacteria n/a
1 Any positive sample
2 0 Naturally present in the environment. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially-harmful, bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems.
E. Coli n/a Any positive sample
3 0 Human and animal fecal waste. E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune systems.
Fecal Indicators
(enterococci or coliphage) n/a Any positive sample 0 Human and animal fecal waste. Fecal indicators are microbes whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.
Turbidity (for systems that must install filtration but have not – include the highest monthly average for the entry point). NTU
4 1 NTU
5 N/A Soil Runoff. Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. Please pay special attention to the additional statement in this document regarding Cryptosporidium.
Turbidity (for systems that have met the criteria for avoiding filtration – include the highest single measurement found at the entry point during the year). NTU 5NTU
6 N/A Soil Runoff. Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. Please pay special attention to the additional statement in this document regarding Cryptosporidium.
EDITED FOR LENGTH.
