Laserfiche WebLink
9.A. - Page 19 <br /> Q. Is drinking water dangerous if it contains a contaminant that exceeds the PHG? <br /> A. A PHG is NOT a boundary line between a "safe" and "dangerous" level of a contaminant. <br /> Drinking water can still be acceptable for public consumption if it contains contaminants at <br /> levels higher than the PHG. A PHG is a health-protective level of a contaminant in drinking <br /> water that California's public water systems should strive to achieve if technically and <br /> economically feasible. <br /> Q. What are the health effects of hexavalent chromium in drinking water? <br /> A. A 2007 National Toxicology Program (NTP) study found significant numbers of <br /> gastrointestinal tumors in male and female rats and mice that consumed drinking water with <br /> chromium 6. In addition, OEHHA's analysis of data collected from China found increased <br /> rates of stomach cancer in people exposed to high levels of chromium 6 from drinking water. <br /> Scientific studies have found a higher than average rate of lung and gastrointestinal cancers <br /> in workers who inhaled chromium 6 on the job. There is substantial evidence that chromium <br /> 6 can damage DNA. <br /> Exposure to chromium 6 from breathing dust or fumes is considered much more dangerous <br /> than exposure from drinking water. It is estimated that exposure to airborne chromium 6 is <br /> 1000 times more potent than exposure from drinking water. <br /> Q. Is there a federal standard for chromium 6 in drinking water? <br /> A. No. The federal government currently regulates only total chromium. The current PHG for <br /> chromium 6 is a first for California and the nation. The eventual MCL for chromium 6, once it <br /> is established, is expected to be the first standard in the nation to address chromium 6 in <br /> drinking water. The current state MCL for total chromium will remain in effect until a specific <br /> state standard for chromium 6 is established. <br /> Q. Where can I find additional information? <br /> A. Local public water systems, county health or environmental departments are also good <br /> sources of information on contaminants in your local drinking water supply. Your water bill <br /> lists contact information. You can also contact your city's public works department. <br /> State law requires public water systems to send customers an annual consumer confidence <br /> report that describes the source of the water and any contaminants detected. The report <br /> should list the current level of contaminants, their PHGs and their primary MCLs. The report <br /> will also disclose if contamination is higher than the MCL and include a statement regarding <br /> accompanying health concerns. <br /> If your source of drinking water is a private well, contact your county health or environmental <br /> health department for water quality standards and testing information. <br />