Drinking Water Advisories

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies drinking water contaminants in two categories (primary and secondary). EPA sets primary standards that are legally enforceable for public water systems and also sets secondary standards that are non-enforceable guidelines for contaminants that may cause cosmetic effects (such as skin or tooth discoloration) or aesthetic effects (such as taste, odor, or color) in drinking water.

Chloride and manganese are considered a secondary contaminant.  EPA’s secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) for chloride is 250 mg/L and manganese is 0.05 mg/L. For some public water systems, manganese and/or chloride levels may fluctuate seasonally due to hydrological changes and/or weather conditions.  A chloride level of 250 mg/L or higher can affect the taste, odor and color of the drinking water and can cause corrosion issues in the water distribution system and customers plumbing. 

EPA does not classify sodium as a primary or secondary contaminant, but individuals who are on a low-sodium diet for other health reasons such as high blood pressure or kidney diseases should pay special attention to sodium levels in their drinking water.

Manganese Health Advisory

Manganese is a naturally occurring element found in soil, water, and air.  An individual’s nutritional requirements for manganese and potential for harmful health effects may be highly variable. Too much manganese can increase the risk of health problems, particularly for infants under 6 months old. Infants are more at risk than older children and adults because their brains and bodies are quickly developing.  EPA established a 10-day Health Advisory level of 0.3 mg/L for infants (age 6 months or less) which means adverse health effects are not expected below this level.  Below you will find a report listing those water systems that have exceeded the EPA's health advisory level of 0.3 mg/L.  Sampling and advisories occur quarterly and the report will be updated regularly.

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Sodium Health and Chloride Advisory

Sodium is the sixth most abundant element on Earth and is widely distributed in soils, plants, water, and foods. Most of the world has significant deposits of sodium-containing minerals.  Sodium is a normal component of the body, and adequate levels of sodium are required for good health. The EPA advisory level of 20 mg/L of sodium in drinking water is for individuals on a low-sodium diet regimen (500 mg/day). Individuals who are on these diets should consider the sodium level of their drinking water as part of their daily intake and should check with their doctor or health care provider for specific guidance about how much sodium per day is appropriate for them to consume.

Water that has exceeded 250 mg/L of chloride should not be consumed by pregnant women and should not be used to mix with baby formula.