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Special Health Information
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. People who are immuno-compromised such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplants recipients, HIV/AIDS positive or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people at risk should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. The U.S. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infections by Cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800) 426-4791.
Contaminants in Drinking Water
All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protections Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and radioactive materials, and it can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals of from human activities.
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