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Like mercury, lead is a potent neurotoxin that accumulates in soft tissues and bone over time. Lead is a poisonous metal that can damage nervous connections (especially in young children) and cause blood and brain disorders.
Lead is rarely found in source water, but enters tap water through corrosion of plumbing materials. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures and solder. However, new homes are also at risk. Even legally “lead-free” plumbing may contain up to 8 percent lead. The most common problem is with brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures which can leach significant amounts of lead into the water, especially hot water.
A chemical used for water purification, in disinfectants, and in bleach. It is used to kill bacteria and other microbes in drinking water supplies and public swimming pools.
A cyst is a sack that encloses an organism during a dormant period, such as in the case of certain parasites. Cysts protect a parasite from the acid of the stomach so that it may pass through to the intestines unharmed where it can then break out.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic chemical compounds. Common artificial sources of VOCs include paint thinners, dry cleaning solvents, and some constituents of petroleum fuels like gasoline and natural gas.
A chemical compound that is a volatile, flammable and colorless liquid that is reasonably soluble in water. MTBE has a minty odour leading to unpleasant taste and odour in water. MTBE is a gasoline additive, used to raise octane. It has been found to easily pollute large quantities of groundwater when gasoline with MTBE is spilled or leaked at gas stations.