Winter Haven Tap Water Quality Report

What is Gross Alpha Activity?

Gross alpha activity measures the total amount of radioactivity in a water sample emitted by decaying alpha-emitting elements, notably radioactive isotopes of uranium, radium, and radon. Alpha emitters are used to treat cancer, as an eliminator of static in paper mills and in other products like smoke detectors. Radioactive atoms release high energy alpha particles that pull electrons off of the atoms in cells. This process is called ionizing radiation, and may lead to harmful changes in cells and tissues. The toxicity of an alpha emitter depends on the amount of energy it releases and how organ systems respond to that energy. Exposure to elevated gross alpha activity is associated with increased cancer risk and genotoxicity, but toxicity to individual systems is dependent on the type of alpha emitter present.

Health Effects

Drinking water standards for gross alpha activity have been developed based on increased cancer risk associated with alpha radioactivity. Alpha radiation has been shown to produce DNA changes (genotoxicity) in laboratory studies.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

Certified Filter Standards

What is E. coli?

Most common type of fecal coliform bacteria

Health Effects

Not all E. coli strains cause illness, but their presence can indicate other harmful pathogens in water, because E. coli is a direct result of fecal contamination. Symptoms of ingesting harmful E. coli include abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Some cases of E. coli exposure can lead to hemorrhagic colitis, an acute illness that results in cramps, watery diarrhea, and lower intestinal bleeding with occasional vomiting and fever. Certain strains of E. coli may cause hemolytic uremic syndrome or renal failure. These health effects are primarily a danger to young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

Certified Filter Standards