Tower City 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 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 Uranium?

Uranium is a weakly radioactive heavy metal found naturally in bedrock and used in nuclear weapons, some ceramics, electron microscopy stains, photography toners, and certain fertilizers. Uranium is weakly radioactive because all of its isotopes (Uranium-234, Uranium-235, and Uranium-238) are unstable. Ninety-nine percent of naturally existing uranium is in the isotope form uranium-238. The EPA has established a maximum contaminant level for uranium in drinking water in response to human and animal studies indicating kidney toxicity and and increased risk of cancer.

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for uranium are based on adverse kidney system effects observed in both humans and animals and an increased risk of cancer. Animal studies have also shown female reproductive system and developmental toxicity, as well as genotoxicity, related to uranium exposure.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

Certified Filter Standards

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 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 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 Radium 228?

Radium-228 is a radioactive isotope of radium that occurs naturally in uranium and thorium ores. It is part of the decay chain of uranium-232 and has a half-life of 5.75 years. Radium-228 can be found in groundwater and can contaminate drinking water supplies.

Health Effects

Exposure to radium-228 can lead to an increased risk of cancer, particularly bone cancer, due to its radioactive properties. Long-term exposure can also affect the kidneys and other organs.

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 Radium 226?

Radium-226 is a radioactive isotope of radium, which is a naturally occurring element found in uranium ores. It is a decay product of uranium-238 and is known for its radioactive properties, emitting alpha particles and gamma radiation.

Health Effects

Exposure to Radium-226 can lead to serious health issues, including an increased risk of bone cancer and other malignancies. It can accumulate in bones and tissues, leading to long-term health effects due to its radioactivity.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

Certified Filter Standards