What are sources of contamination to drinking water?

Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

  • Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from:
    • Farming
    • Industrial or domestic wastewater discharges
    • Mining
    • Oil and gas production
    • Urban stormwater runoff
  • Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from:
    • Agricultural livestock operations
    • Septic systems
    • Sewage treatment plants
    • Wildlife
  • Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from:
    • Gas stations
    • Septic systems
    • Urban stormwater runoff
  • Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as:
    • Agriculture
    • Residential uses
    • Urban stormwater runoff
  • Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

Show All Answers

1. What is the source of our drinking water?
2. What are sources of contamination to drinking water?
3. Who needs to take special precautions?