Water Quality in Ventura, CA

What is Total THMs?

Group of contaminants that form in drinking water systems when a disinfectant, typically chlorine, reacts with organic matter

Health Effects

Drinking water standards for total THMs are based on evidence of carcinogenicity in human and animal studies, as well as liver and kidney toxicity observed in animal studies. Individual THMs have been further associated with developmental, immune, spleen, and genotoxicity.

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Common Sources

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What is Chloroform?

Member of trihalomethanes (THMs) that form in water treated with chlorine and is generally the most abundant THM formed in drinking water

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for chloroform have been developed based on kidney and liver carcinogenicity observed in animal studies, and liver toxicity observed in occupational studies. The EPA classifies chloroform as a probable human carcinogen based on animal evidence, and there is additional epidemiological evidence that may increase the risk of colon and bladder cancer in humans. Results from animal studies also suggest that exposure to chloroform can cause liver, developmental and immune toxicity. Acute exposure to low levels of chloroform will cause nervous system toxicity.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

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What is Dibromochloromethane?

Member of trihalomethanes (THMs) that form in water treated with chlorine

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for DBCM have been developed based on liver toxicity and carcinogenicity observed in animal studies. EPA has classified DBCM as a possible human carcinogen based on animal evidence, while IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) says it is unclassifiable as a human carcinogen. Kidney toxicity has also been associated with DBCM based on evidence from animal studies. DBCM has been shown to produce DNA changes (genotoxicity) in laboratory studies.

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What is Lithium?

Lithium is a soft, silvery-white metal that belongs to the alkali metal group. It is highly reactive and flammable, and must be stored in mineral oil. Lithium is used in batteries, mood-stabilizing drugs, and other applications.

Health Effects

Exposure to lithium can lead to a range of health effects, including nausea, diarrhea, tremors, and in severe cases, lithium toxicity can cause kidney damage and neurological issues.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

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What is Boron?

Boron is an element that occurs naturally in the earth's crust as borate minerals. It can be found in food, consumer products and some water sources, including some bottled water and groundwater from highly mineralized aquifers. While evidence suggests it is likely an essential nutrient for human health, animal studies have shown that exposure to high levels of boron can cause adverse developmental and reproductive effects.

Health Effects

Health protective levels of boron in drinking water have been established based on potential developmental toxicity.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

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What is Sulfate?

Anion composed of sulfur and oxygen, is almost universally present in water

Health Effects

Elevated sulfate concentrations may have a short-term laxative effect and cause dehydration, especially among infants. There are no known chronic health risks associated with sulfate.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

Certified Filter Standards