Why does it matter what’s in my water?
Health Effects
Nitrates
- affects the ability of blood to carry oxygen
- causes Blue Baby Syndrome in infants
Phosphates
- can cause toxic algal blooms which can affect human health
Ammonia
- may cause loss of equilibrium
- convulsions
- coma
- death
E. Coli
- diarrhea
- cramps
- fever
- kidney infection
Atrazine
- excess amounts can cause dizziness and nausea
- linked to types of cancer
Suspended Solids
- inteferes with drinking water treatment
- makes swimming and diving dangerous
Environmental Effects
Nitrates
- promotes plant and algal growth
- decreases oxygen levels
- promote growth of toxic algae
Phosphates
- promotes eutrophication
- increased algae blooms
- denses blooms prevent light and reduce oxygen
Ammonia
- cause fish kills
E. Coli
- contaminates irrigation waters
- causes beaches to close
Atrazine
- toxic to aquatic life
Suspended Solids
- reduce light penetration
- killing bottom dwelling organisms
- absorb toxic chemicals