Cumminscorp Ltd

Bacteria

All types of bacteria can be found in various bodies of water depending on their location and surroundings. This is why it is imperative to have water tested.

Microbes

Coliform Bacteria
These are common in the environment and are generally not harmful. However, the presence of these bacteria in drinking water is usually a result of a problem with the treatment system or the pipes which distribute water, and indicates that the water may be contaminated with germs that can cause disease.

Feacal Coliform and E Coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nauseam headaches, and other symptoms.

Turbidity has no health effects, however can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.

Cryptosporidium is a parasite that enters lakes and rivers through sewage and animal waste. It causes cryptosporidioses, a mild gastrointestinal disease. However, the disease can be severe or fatal for people with severely weakened immune systems.

Giardia lamblia is a parasite that enters lakes and rivers through sewage and animal waste. It causes gastrointestinal illness - diarrhea, vomiting, cramps.

Radionuclides

Alpha Emitters

Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit a form of radiation known as alpha radiation. some people who drink water containing alpha emitters in excess over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Beta/photon emitters are radioactive and may emit form of radiation known as photons and beta radiation. Some people who drink water containing beta and photons and beta radiation. some people who drink water containing beta and photon emitters over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Combined Radium 266/288. Some people who drink water containing radium 226 or 228 over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Radon gas can dissolve and accumulate in underground water sources and in the air in your home. Breathing radon can cause lung cancer. Drinking water containing radon presents a risk of developing cancer. Radon in air is more dangerous than radon in water.

Inorganic Contaminants

Arsenic. Some people who drink water containing arsenic over many years could experience skin damage or problems with their circulatory system, and my have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Fluoride. Dental fluorosis, in its moderate or sever forms, may result in a brown staining and / or pitting of the permanent teeth. This problem occurs only in developing teeth, before they erupt from the gums. Children under nine should not drink water that has more than 2mg/l of fluoride.

Lead typically leaches into water from plumbing in older buildings. Lead pipes and plumbing fittings have been banned. Children and pregnant women are most susceptible to lead health risks.

Disinfectants

Chlorine. Some people who use drinking water containing chlorine well in excess of EPA standard could experience irritating effects to their eyes and nose and stomach discomfort.

Chloramine. Some people who use drinking water containing chloramines well in excess of EPA standard could experience irritating effects to their eyes and nose and stomach discomfort or anemia.

Chlorine Dioxide. Some infants and young children who use drinking water containing chlorine well in excess of EPA standard could experience nervous system effects. Similar effects may occur in fetuses of pregnant women and some may experience anemia.

Disinfection Byproducts

Disinfection byproducts form when disinfectants added to drinking water to kill germs react with naturally-occuring organic matter in water.

Total Trihalomethanes. Some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of EPA's standard over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous systems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Haloacetic Acids. Some people who drink water containing haloacetic acids in excess of EPA's standard over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Bromate. Some people who drink water containing bromate in excess of EPA's standard over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Chlorite. Some infants and young children who drink water containing chlorite in excess of EPA's standard could experience nervous system effects. Similar effects may occur in fetuses of pregnant women who drink water containing chlorite in excess of EPA's standard. Some people may experience anemia.