Water Quality: Santa Fe, NM

Long-term exposure increases risk of skin, bladder, and lung cancers, as well as cardiovascular and neurological effects.

Common source: Natural rock deposits, agricultural pesticides, industrial waste

EPA limit: 0.010 mg/L (10 ppb)

Can cause anemia in infants and young children; may cause nervous system effects at high levels.

Common source: Water treatment disinfectant used to control taste, odor, and microorganisms

EPA limit: 0.8 mg/L

Causes gastrointestinal illness; certain strains (e.g., O157:H7) can cause severe kidney failure and death.

Common source: Fecal contamination from humans or animals entering the water supply

EPA limit: Zero (no E. coli permitted in drinking water)

Haloacetic acids are associated with increased cancer risk and potential reproductive and developmental effects.

Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with organic matter in treated water

EPA limit: 0.060 mg/L (60 ppb)

Linked to increased cancer risk and potential reproductive and developmental effects with long-term exposure.

Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with organic matter in treated water

EPA limit: 0.060 mg/L (60 ppb)

Trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids that increase cancer risk and may cause adverse reproductive outcomes.

Common source: Chlorine disinfection reacting with natural organic matter in source water

EPA limit: TTHM: 0.080 mg/L; HAA5: 0.060 mg/L