Heavy Metals

Lead: 
Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content that corrodes pipes and fixtures. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures.

Mercury: 
Mercury is a naturally occurring metal that combines with other elements to form inorganic mercury compounds. The U.S. EPA has found mercury in water has the potential to cause kidney damage from short-term exposures at levels above the maximum contaminant level 

Lithium: 
Naturally occurring lithium in public drinking water may have an anti-suicidal effect, according to a new study. The study collated research from around the world and found that geographical areas with relatively high levels or concentration of lithium in public drinking water had correspondingly lower suicide rates.

Nickel: 
The primary source of nickel in drinking-water is leaching from metals in contact with drinking-water, such as pipes and fittings. However, nickel may also be present in some groundwaters as a consequence of dissolution from nickel ore-bearing rocks.

Cadmium: 
Cadmium occurs naturally in zinc, lead, copper and other ores which can serve as sources to ground and surface waters, especially when in contact with soft, acidic waters. ... In particular, cadmium can be released to drinking water from the corrosion of some galvanized plumbing and water main pipe materials.

Iron: 
Making up at least 5 percent of the earth’s crust, iron is one of the earth’s most plentiful resources. Rainwater as it infiltrates the soil and underlying geologic formations dissolves iron, causing it to seep into aquifers that serve as sources of groundwater for wells. Although present in drinking water, iron is seldom found at concentrations greater than 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L) or 10 parts per million. However, as little as 0.3 mg/l can cause water to turn a reddish brown color.

Zinc: 
Zinc can be introduced into water naturally by erosion of minerals from
rocks and soil, however since zinc ores are only slightly soluble in water.
Zinc is only dissolved at relatively low concentrations. High natural levels of
zinc in water are usually associated with higher concentrations of other
metals such as lead and cadmium.

Copper: 
Copper is a metal that occurs naturally and is used to make many products, including parts for plumbing systems. Copper can get into your drinking water as the water passes through your household plumbing system. Your body needs some copper to stay healthy, but too much is harmful.

Manganese: 
Manganese is a normal and healthy part of a human diet in small amounts. Manganese may become noticeable in tap water at levels above 0.05mg/L by imparting a brown color, odor or unpleasant taste to the water. It may leave stains on bathroom fixtures and laundry.

Chromium: 
Chromium occurs in the environment largely in two forms: trivalent chromium (chromium 3), which is an essential human nutrient, and hexavalent chromium (chromium 6), which is toxic. Despite this difference, chromium is regulated in drinking water as “total chromium” at a level of 50 parts per billion.


Heavy metal contamination and public health

       In the last few years, there has been an increasing public health concern about water contamination by these metals. Heavy metals can enter a water supply through industrial pollution and landfill waste, lead water pipes, lead solder, plumbing fixtures and from acidic rain breaking down soils and releasing heavy metals into streams, lakes, rivers, and groundwater.

       Human exposure to heavy metals has risen dramatically. Children, pregnant women and immuno-compromised individuals. Municipal water supplies and well water can be contaminated with metals and should be tested to insure the safety of you, your family and pets.