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Minnesota Drinking Water Contaminants

There are over 7,500 drinking water contaminants that have been discovered in the United States. We have listed the most common contaminants that contribute to Total Dissolved Solids found in Minnesota city and well water. The EPA classifies these contaminants into groups which have been color coded to make your research easier:

Organic Contaminants (blue)

Many herbicides and pharmaceuticals are organic-based compounds. Water treatment for organics depends largely on contact time within a filter: the slower the water flows through the system, the better the removal. Because they absorb through skin so easily, DMT SystemsWhole-House Filters or Whole House Reverse Osmosis Systems are highly recommended. Organic contaminants can enter the body in several ways:

  • Ingestion from drinking and cooking water
  • Inhalation during baths, showers, and cleaning
  • Absorption through skin (as much as 8x more than through ingestion)

Inorganic Contaminants (red)

Metals like Arsenic and Lead are popular inorganic compounds. Carbon-based filters have virtually zero impact on inorganics, while Reverse Osmosis, or Whole House Reverse Osmosis Systems are extremely effective. Inorganic contaminants mainly enter the body in two ways:

  • Ingestion from drinking and cooking water
  • Inhalation during baths, showers, and cleaning

Microorganisms (brown)

Microorganisms in water cover a broad range of bacteria, virus, and cysts. Chlorine Injection Filter Systems are effective at killing most bacteria and virus, but are not effective for cysts like cryptosporidium. Ultrafiltration Systems and Ultraviolet Treatment Systems are extremely effective for all types. Microorganisms mainly enter the body in two ways:

  • Ingestion from drinking and cooking water
  • Inhalation during baths, showers, and cleaning

Radionuclides (purple)

Less common in Minnesota, water treatment for radionucliides can be accomplished with adsorptive media like carbon, but carbon filters may become radioactive and require special disposal. Systems using aeration with venting are preferred. like: Radionucliides can enter the body in several ways:

  • Ingestion from drinking and cooking water
  • Inhalation during baths, showers, and cleaning

Disinfectants (yellow)

Disinfects are not naturally occuring in Minnesota ground water, but instead are added by city water treatment facilities to kill microbes in the water. Water treatment for disinfectants is very similar to organics, and depends largely on contact time within a filter. Because they absorb through skin so easily, DMT SystemsWhole-House Filters or Whole House Reverse Osmosis Systems are highly recommended. Organic contaminants can enter the body in several ways:

  • Ingestion from drinking and cooking water
  • Inhalation during baths, showers, and cleaning
  • Absorption through skin

Disinfectant Byproducts (green)

When disinfects are are added to water, they react with organic matter to form new compounds. Water treatment for disinfectant byproducts is very similar to organics, but requires substantially longer contact time within a filter. Because they absorb through skin so easily, DMT SystemsWhole-House Filters or Whole House Reverse Osmosis Systems are highly recommended. Organic contaminants can enter the body in several ways:

  • Ingestion from drinking and cooking water
  • Inhalation during baths, showers, and cleaning
  • Absorption through skin
Contaminant Common Source Potential Effect Safe Level State Limit Treatment Method
Acrylamide Added to water during wastewater treatment Nervous system or blood problems; increased risk of cancer 0.0 NA RO, Carbon
Alachor Runoff from herbicide used on row crops Eye, liver, kidney or spleen problems; anemia; increased risk of cancer 0.0 0.002 RO, Carbon
Alpha Particles Erosion of natural deposits that are radioactive and may emit a form of radiation known as alpha radiation Increased risk of cancer 0.0 15.0 RO, Air stripping
Antimony Discharge from refineries; fire retardants; ceramics; electronics; solder Increase in blood cholesterol; decrease in blood sugar 0.006 0.006 RO
Arsenic Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; runoff from glass and electronics production wastes Skin damage or problems with circulatory systems, and may have increased risk of getting cancer 0.0 0.010 RO, Arsenic media
Atrazine Runoff from herbicide used on row crops Cardiovascular system or reproductive problems 0.003 0.003 RO, Carbon
Barium Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits Increase in blood pressure 2.0 2.0 RO
Benzene Discharge from factories; leaching from gas storage tanks and landfills Anemia; decrease in blood platelets; increased risk of cancer 0.0 0.005 RO, Carbon
Beryllium Discharge from metal refineries and coal-burning factories; discharge from electrical, aerospace, and defense industries Intestinal lesions 0.004 0.004 RO
Beta Particles Decay of natural and man-made deposits that are radioactive and may emit forms of radiation known as photons and beta radiation Increased risk of cancer 0.0 4.0 RO
Bromate Byproduct of drinking water disinfection Increased risk of cancer 0.0 0.010 RO, Carbon
Cadmium Corrosion of galvanized pipes; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from metal refineries; runoff from waste batteries and paints Kidney damage 0.005 0.005 RO
Carbon tetrachloride Discharge from chemical plants and other industrial activities Liver problems; increased risk of cancer 0.0 0.005 RO, Carbon
Chloramines Water additive made from chlorine and ammonia used to control microbes Eye/nose irritation; stomach discomfort; anemia 4.0 4.0 RO, Carbon
Chlordane Residue of banned termiticide Liver or nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer 0.0 0.002 RO, Carbon
Chlorine Water additive used to control microbes Eye/nose irritation; stomach discomfort 4.0 4.0 RO, Carbon
Chlorobenzene Discharge from chemical and agricultural chemical factories Liver or kidney problems 0.1 0.1 RO, Carbon
Chromium Discharge from steel and pulp mills; erosion of natural deposits Allergic dermatitis 0.1 0.1 RO
Copper Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits Gastrointestinal distress. Liver or kidney damage. 1.3 1.3 RO
Cryptosporidium Human and animal fecal waste Gastrointestinal illness (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting, cramps) 0.0 0.0 RO, Ultrafiltration
Cyanide Discharge from steel/metal factories; discharge from plastic and fertilizer factories Nerve damage or thyroid problems 0.2 0.2 RO
2,4-D Runoff from herbicide used on row crops Kidney, liver, or adrenal gland problems 0.07 0.07 RO, Carbon
1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) Runoff from soil fumigant used on soybeans, cotton, and orchards Reproductive difficulties; increased risk of cancer 0.0 0.0002 RO, Carbon
1,2-Dichloroethane Discharge from industrial chemical factories Increased risk of cancer 0.0 0.005 RO, Carbon
Dichloromethane Discharge from drug and chemical factories Liver problems; increased risk of cancer 0.0 0.005 RO, Carbon
1,2-Dichloropropane Discharge from industrial chemical factories Increased risk of cancer 0.0 0.005 RO, Carbon
Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate Discharge from rubber and chemical factories Reproductive difficulties; liver problems; increased risk of cancer 0.0 0.006 RO, Carbon
Dinoseb Runoff from herbicide used on soybeans and vegetables Reproductive difficulties 0.007 0.007 RO, Carbon
Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) Emissions from waste incineration and other combustion; discharge from chemical factories Reproductive difficulties; increased risk of cancer 0.0 0.00000003 RO, Carbon
Diquat Runoff from herbicide use Cataracts 0.02 0.02 RO, Carbon
Endothall Runoff from herbicide use Stomach and intestinal problems 0.1 0.1 RO, Carbon
Endrin Residue of banned insecticide Liver problems 0.002 0.002 RO, Carbon
Ethylbenzene Discharge from petroleum refineries Liver or kidney problems 0.7 0.7 RO, Carbon
Ethylene dibromide Discharge from petroleum refineries Problems with liver, stomach, reproductive system, or kidneys; increased risk of cancer 0.0 0.00005 RO, Carbon
Fluoride Water additive; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories Bone disease (pain and tenderness of the bones); children may get mottled teeth 4.0 4.0 RO
Giardia lamblia Human and animal fecal waste Gastrointestinal illness (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting, cramps) 0.0 0.0 RO, Ultrafiltration
Glyphosate Runoff from herbicide use Kidney problems; reproductive difficulties 0.7 0.7 RO, Carbon
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) Byproduct of drinking water disinfection Increased risk of cancer 0.0 0.060 RO, Carbon
Hard Water Mineral leached from calcite, dolomite, and gypsum Damage to water heaters, appliances, and fixtures. Could increase kidney stones. NA NA Water Softener
Heptachlor Residue of banned termiticide Liver damage; increased risk of cancer 0.0 0.0004 RO, Carbon
Hexachlorobenzene Discharge from metal refineries and agricultural chemical factories Liver or kidney problems; reproductive difficulties; increased risk of cancer 0.0 0.001 RO, Carbon
Iron Erosion of natural deposits Damage to water heaters, water softeners, appliances, and fixtures. NA 0.3 Iron Filter
Lead Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits Delays in physical or mental development in infants and children; slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities; Kidney problems; high blood pressure 0.0 0.015 RO
Legionella Found naturally in water; multiplies in heating systems Legionnaire’s Disease, a type of pneumonia 0.0 0.0 RO, UV, Ultrafiltration, Chlorination, Ozonation
Lindane Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cattle, lumber, gardens Liver or kidney problems 0.0002 0.0002 RO, Carbon
Manganese Erosion of natural deposits Black staining, damage to water heater, plumbing, appliances, fixtures, clothing, decreased IQ in children .03 .05 RO, Carbon, Iron Filter
Mercury Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from refineries and factories; runoff from landfills and croplands Kidney damage 0.002 0.002 RO
Methoxychlor Insecticide used on fruits, vegetables, livestock Reproductive difficulties 0.04 0.04 RO, Carbon
Nitrate Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits Infants below the age of six months could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and “blue baby” syndrome. 10.0 10.0 RO, Nitrate filter
Nitrite Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits Infants below the age of six months could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and “blue baby” syndrome. 1.0 1.0 RO
Oxamyl (Vydate) Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on apples, potatoes, and tomatoes Slight nervous system effects 0.2 0.2 RO, Carbon
Pentachlorophenol Discharge from wood-preserving factories Liver or kidney problems; increased cancer risk 0.0 0.001 RO, Carbon
Perchlorate Rocket fuel additive, fertilizer, natural salts Endocrine disruptor, Disrupts Thyroid function 0.0 0.001 RO, Anion Exchange
Picloram Herbicide runoff Liver problems 0.5 0.5 RO, Carbon
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Runoff from landfills; discharge of waste chemicals Skin changes; thymus gland problems; immune deficiencies; reproductive or nervous system difficulties; increased risk of cancer 0.0 0.0005 RO, Carbon
Radium 226 and Radium 228 Erosion of natural deposits Increased risk of cancer 0.0 5.0 RO, Air stripping
Simazine Herbicide runoff Problems with blood 0.004 0.004 RO, Carbon
Tetrachloroethylene Discharge from factories and dry cleaners Liver problems; increased risk of cancer 0.0 0.005 RO, Carbon
Thallium Leaching from ore-processing sites; discharge from electronics, glass, and drug factories Hair loss; changes in blood; kidney, intestine, or liver problems 0.0005 0.002 RO
Total Coliforms (including fecal coliform and E. coli) Coliforms are naturally present in the environment as well as feces; fecal coliforms and E. coli only come from human and animal fecal waste Not a health threat in itself; it is used to indicate whether other potentially harmful bacteria may be present 0.0 5.0 Ultrafiltration, Ozone, Chlorination
(TTHMs) Total Trihalomethanes Byproduct of drinking water disinfection Liver, kidney or central nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer 0.0 0.080 RO, Carbon
Toxaphene Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cattle Kidney, liver, or thyroid problems; increased risk of cancer 0.0 0.003 RO, Carbon
2,4,5-TP (Silvex) Residue of banned herbicide Liver problems 0.05 0.05 RO, Carbon
1,1,2-Trichloroethane Discharge from industrial chemical factories Liver, kidney, or immune system problems 0.003 0.005 RO, Carbon
Trichloroethylene Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories Liver problems; increased risk of cancer 0.0 0.005 RO, Carbon
Turbidity Soil runoff Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of water. Higher turbidity levels are often associated with higher levels of disease-causing microorganisms such as viruses, parasites and some bacteria. These organisms can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. 0.0 NA RO, Ultrafiltration
Uranium Erosion of natural deposits Increased risk of cancer, kidney toxicity 0.0 30.0 RO, Air stripping
Vinyl chloride Leaching from PVC pipes; discharge from plastic factories Increased risk of cancer 0.0 0.002 RO, Carbon
Viruses (enteric) Human and animal fecal waste Gastrointestinal illness (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting, cramps) 0.0 NA RO, Ultrafiltration, Ozone, Chlorination
Xylenes (total) Discharge from petroleum factories; discharge from chemical factories Nervous system damage 10.0 10.0 RO, Carbon
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