Common Water Contaminants and How to Identify Them

1. Bacteria: Bacteria are microscopic living organisms that can cause serious health problems if ingested. Some common bacteria found in water include E. coli, salmonella, and cholera. Bacterial contamination can be identified through laboratory testing.

2. Chemicals: Chemical contaminants can come from a variety of sources, such as industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and household cleaning products. Examples of common chemical contaminants in water include pesticides, lead, and chlorine. Chemical contaminants can be identified through laboratory testing or with at-home testing kits.

3. Sediment: Sediment can include sand, clay, and other particles that can make water cloudy or discolored. Sediment can be identified by visually inspecting the water and looking for particles or by running a sample through a filter.

4. Heavy metals: Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic can be harmful to human health and can leach into water from old pipes or industrial waste. Heavy metal contamination can be identified through laboratory testing.

5. Nitrates: Nitrates come from fertilizer runoff and can be harmful to infants if consumed in large amounts. Nitrates can be identified through laboratory testing or with at-home testing kits.

6. Pharmaceuticals: Pharmaceuticals can enter waterways through sewage systems and can harm aquatic life and potentially harm human health if consumed in large amounts. Identifying pharmaceuticals in water requires laboratory testing.