Your results scored in the 15th percentile of well water Tap Scores.
Lab testing detected Arsenic, Coliform, and Benzene in your sample.
Watch list
THESE ARE THE MOST NOTABLE RESULTS FROM YOUR SAMPLE.
For an exhaustive list of all the parameters tested in your sample, check the "All Results" section.
HEALTH EFFECTS Possible Carcinogen
Although health risks below 5 PPB have been difficult to measure, drinking water with low concentrations of arsenic over a long period of time is associated with increased risks of diabetes and cancers of the bladder, lungs, liver, and other organs. Arsenic exposure can also contribute to cardiovascular and respiratory disease, reduced IQ in children, and skin problems, such as lesions, discoloration, and the development of corns. Arsenic's health impacts may take time to develop (many years). Short term effects of high arsenic exposure include skin discoloration, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
COMMON SOURCES
Arsenic is a common element in the earth's crust and unfortunately, quite toxic to humans. Natural erosion of soil and rock is the most common pathway for arsenic to get into drinking water. It is also produced as waste runoff from orchards, as well as waste from the production of metals and electronics.
TASTE & ODOR:
Arsenic is colorless, odorless and tasteless.HEALTH EFFECTS Possible Carcinogen
The public health goal for benzene was set at 0 because the EPA believes that this level of benzene would incur no health effects in drinking water. Drinking water with benzene is known to cause anemia; decrease in blood platelets; increased risk of cancer and harm to the immune system.
COMMON SOURCES
Benzene is commonly found in water near discharge from factories; leaching from gas storage tanks and landfills. It is commonly used as an indicator of other oil and gas related contamination.
TASTE & ODOR:
Sweet, aromatic gasoline-like smell.HEALTH EFFECTS Possible Carcinogen
Long term exposure to high levels of chloroform in drinking water can cause harm to the kidneys, liver, developmental system, and central nervous system. Chloroform may be absorbed into the body through ingestion, inhalation, and through skin contact. Based on animal evidence and limited human evidence, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists chloroform as a Group B2 or "probable human carcinogen." To reduce health effects, EPA requires THM levels (including chloroform) to be kept below 0.080 PPM in public drinking water.
COMMON SOURCES
Chloroform was once used as an anesthetic during surgery, but is now most commonly encountered in much lower concentrations as a byproduct of drinking water disinfection via chlorine. Drinking water, bathing water and pool water are the largest contributors to lifetime chloroform exposure. At least one research study has shown that higher temperature water can increase skin absorption of chloroform when bathing. Chloroform is in the trihalomethane (THM) family of chemicals and is formed when chlorine, chloramines or other common water treatment disinfectants react with organic and inorganic matter in your source water. It has also been used as a solvent and as a reagent in the production of dyes and pesticides and as part of pulp and paper bleaching. Algae can also produce chloroform in the natural environment.
TASTE & ODOR:
Chloroform has a mildly sweet odor and taste.Presence / Absence Testing
DETECTIONS FOR ANALYTES TESTED AS PRESENCE/ABSENCE ARE SHOWN HERE
HEALTH EFFECTS
Presence of coliform bacteria in your water indicates potential for one or many harmful pathogens to enter your water supply. While not all coliform bacteria are not necessarily pathogenic, some like E. coli are and can indeed make you sick.
COMMON SOURCES
Coliform bacteria are bacteria that are commonly found in plants and soil but also live in the fecal waste of humans and other animals. Contamination by colifom bacteria means there is a possible fecal waste stream coming in contact with your water supply.