Water Quality: Santa Rosa, CA

Probable human carcinogen associated with increased cancer risk; causes liver and kidney damage.

Common source: Industrial chemical production, fuel additive leaks, contaminated groundwater

EPA limit: 0.005 mg/L (5 ppb)

Increases blood pressure and causes cardiovascular effects with long-term exposure.

Common source: Natural rock deposits, oil drilling operations, coal power plant waste

EPA limit: 2 mg/L

Probable human carcinogen that increases the risk of kidney and thyroid cancers.

Common source: Ozonation of bromide-containing water; used as flour improver

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

Indicates direct fecal contamination; associated with diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and potential severe illness.

Common source: Human and animal fecal waste

EPA limit: Zero tolerance (any positive triggers violations)

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

Total trihalomethanes are linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and adverse reproductive outcomes.

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

EPA limit: 0.080 mg/L (80 ppb)

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)