Jackson Tap Water Quality Report

What is Lead?

Naturally occurring heavy metal commonly found in tap water

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for oral exposure to lead are based on delays in physical or mental development for children and infants, and impacts to the kidneys and high blood pressure for adults. Children are especially susceptible to the effects of lead. Even low levels of lead can damage the brain and nervous system, slow development, and lead to problems with learning, behavior, hearing, and speech. In adults, lead can lead to hypertension, reproductive problems, neurological disorders, decreased kidney function and muscle and joint pain. Exposure to lead can also cause anemia and impact the immune system for both children and adults. The EPA classifies lead as a probable human carcinogen.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

Certified Filter Standards

What is Bromodichloromethane?

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

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for BDCM are based on carcinogenicity and liver toxicity observed in animal studies. The EPA has classified BDCM as a probable human carcinogen. Results from animal studies also suggest that kidney, immune system, spleen, and developmental toxicity are associated with exposure to BDCM. BDCM has been shown to produce DNA changes (genotoxicity) in laboratory studies.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

Certified Filter Standards

What is Dichloroacetic Acid (DCA)?

Member of haloacetic acids (HAAs) that form as byproducts when chlorine reacts with organic matter

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for DCA are based on evidence of increased cancer risk and liver toxicity observed in animal studies. Adverse effects to the male reproductive system have also been associated with elevated levels of DCA in animal studies. The EPA classifies DCA as a likely human carcinogen.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

Certified Filter Standards

What is Chlorine (Total)?

Chlorine is a chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. It is a yellow-green gas at room temperature and is a strong oxidizing agent. Chlorine is commonly used in water treatment to kill bacteria and other pathogens, making water safe for drinking.

Health Effects

Exposure to chlorine can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and eye irritation. Ingesting high levels of chlorine can lead to gastrointestinal distress and other serious health problems.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

Certified Filter Standards

What is Chlorine (Free)?

Chlorine is a chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. It is a yellow-green gas at room temperature and is a strong oxidizing agent. Chlorine is commonly used in water treatment to kill bacteria and other pathogens.

Health Effects

Exposure to chlorine can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and eye irritation. Ingesting chlorine can lead to gastrointestinal distress and other serious health problems.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

Certified Filter Standards

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

Certified Filter Standards

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.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

Certified Filter Standards

What is Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)?

Member of haloacetic acids (HAAs) that form as byproducts when chlorine reacts with organic matter

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for TCA in drinking water have been developed based on liver toxicity and carcinogenicity observed in animal studies. EPA has classified TCA as a possible human carcinogen. Developmental toxicity has also been associated with exposure to TCA based on evidence from animal studies.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

Certified Filter Standards

What is Cyanide?

Cyanide is a chemical compound that contains a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom. It is highly toxic and can exist in various forms, including gaseous hydrogen cyanide and solid cyanide salts. Cyanide is often used in industrial processes, such as mining and electroplating, and can also be found in certain plants and seeds.

Health Effects

Exposure to cyanide can lead to serious health effects, including respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and death. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning may include headache, dizziness, confusion, and shortness of breath. Chronic exposure can result in neurological damage and other long-term health issues.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

Certified Filter Standards