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Public Health Tests Available to Wisconsin Citizens
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- Arsenic:
Arsenic is a toxic element that occurs naturally in soil,
bedrock and groundwater. Exposure to high levels of arsenic
have been shown to dramatically increase the risk of cancer,
circulatory disorders and other health problems. Arsenic
in drinking water has become a major public health issue
in Wisconsin, especially in the Fox River valley. Public
health officials recommend that people with private wells
in Winnnebago, Outagamie or Brown Counties have their water
tested for arsenic periodically. Arsenic
PowerPoint Presentation
- Atrazine: Atrazine
is the most commonly used pesticide in Wisconsin. If present
in drinking water in amounts above the advisory level of
3.0 parts per billion (ppb), atrazine may pose a cancer
risk.
- Coliform
Bacteria: Water samples are tested for the presence
of total coliform bacteria. If total coliform bacteria are
present, it means the well is possibly contaminated and
that disease-producing organisms may also be present. This
test is recommended for all wells on an annual basis or
any time the well water changes in taste, odor, color or
appearance.
- Copper: Copper
in in our diet is necessary for good health. If present
in drinking water above the U.S. EPA limit of 1300 ug/L,
immediate effects include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps
and nausea. Children under one year of age and people with
damaged livers are more sensitive.
- Fluoride: Fluoride
is generally tested at the request of your dentist or other
health official.
- Iron
Bacteria: Iron bacteria in wells do not cause health
problems, but they can have unpleasant and possibly expensive
effects. The bacteria can cause odors, corrode plumbing
equipment, clog well screens and pipes and increase the
chances of sulfur bacteria infestation. For more information,
please read this pamphlet.
- Lead:
Lead is a toxic metal which has been used in the construction
of most older household plumbing systems in Wisconsin until
its use was banned in 1984. Federal and state standards
have established an action level of 15 parts per billion
(ppb) for drinking water. Lead has no beneficial effects
and should be avoided as much as possible.
- Nitrate: High
nitrate levels in drinking water pose a risk to infants.
Infants under six months or age who are fed water or formula
made with water that is high in nitrate can develop a condition
called methemoglobinemia or "blue baby syndrome". State
and federal laws set the maximum allowable level for nitrate-nitrogen
in public drinking water at 10 milligrams per liter (ppm).
- Radon
(in air):The purpose of this measurement is to quickly
determine if your home contains high concentrations of radon
gas. A single measurement should not serve as the basis
for beginning repairs. Instead, this test will provide information
for deciding if there is a need for an additional measurement.
- Radon*
(in water): To determine the presence of radon 222 in
drinking water. Radon 222 is a naturally occurring radioactive
substance.
(* It is recommended that the home owner contact the laboratory
for advice before ordering this test.)
- Sulfate
Reducing Bacteria: Sulfate reducing bacteria do not
cause illness but are nuisance bacteria. The bacteria can
cause odors, corrode plumbing, clog screens and pipes.
- Fecal Coliform
Bacteria in swimming beach water: Beaches where swimming
is allowed should be tested for water quality before the
swimming season begins (to get a baseline of contamination
due to natural wildlife or run-off) and each week thereafter
until the area closes. A membrane filtration test is used
to give a fecal coliform or E. coli count per 100 ml of
water. Counts will vary during the season depending on usage
and environmental factors. Beaches are regulated by local
ordinance. Fecal Coliform: The general rule for quality
maintenance is that no one fecal coliform count should exceed
400 CFU/100 ml, and that the average of 5 samples over 30
days should not exceed 200 CFU/100 ml. E. coli: The
general rule for quality maintenance is that no one E.coli
count should exceed 235 CFU/100 ml and that the average
of 5 samples over 30 days should not exceed 126 E.coli.
- Helicobacter pylori are a bacteria species that cause peptic ulcers in humans.
Currently, the human and animal (warm-blooded) stomach and intestinal tract is the only proven domain of the pathogen.
However, research shows evidence that H. pylori also exists in the environment (surface & ground water, manure,
vegetables, etc.) and could be transmitted to humans who unintentionally consume the contaminants.
- Heterotrophic Plate Count:
This test estimates the number of live
heterotrophic bacteria and measures changes during water treatment and distribution. Samples must be received under 10°C
and within 8 hours of collection for enforcement.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa:
This test is generally used to measure the disinfection efficiency of whirlpools,
pools and spas.
Call the listed number for more information about these tests:
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