Problems with Drinking Water
Drinking water treatment plant operators work around the clock to provide you with safe drinking water. Even with the best efforts, problems can sometimes occur for several 
reasons.
These reasons include:
- Contaminants getting into the source of your drinking water
- Improperly maintained distribution system (pipes, fixtures, etc.)
- Drinking water that is not properly treated or disinfected
If you’re concerned about your drinking water, you may want to have it tested. Below is more information to help you decide.
Signs & Effects of Common Drinking Water Problems
If you notice a change in your drinking water, you may want to have it tested. Below is information to help you decide what contaminant may be the problem.
| Contaminant | Signs & Symptoms |
Effects |
|---|---|---|
|
Gastrointestinal illness, which may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, & diarrhea
|
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|
Not generally considered harmful to humans or animals.
|
|
May contribute to the corrosion of household appliances and plumbing.
|
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|
Short term exposure can cause stomach cramps and intestinal discomfort
|
|
Long term exposure may cause liver and kidney damage
|
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|
Shortens the life of household plumbing
|
|
If you notice problems, allow the water to run for several minutes before using. |
||
|
Excessive fluoride is a concern only when water is used for cooking and drinking.
|
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|
Not considered a health hazard.
|
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Excessive hard water may cause reduced water heater capacity leading to a burn-out. |
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|
Speeds up the corrosion of metal plumbing materials.
|
|
No evidence to indicate the amount normally found in a well is harmful. |
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|
Damage to brain, nervous system, kidney, and red blood cells.
|
|
Pregnant women, fetuses, infants and young children are at a greater risk. |
||
Permanently stunt growth if children are overexposed during growing stage. |
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Infants, pregnant women, individuals with reduced gastric acidity, and individuals with a hereditary lack of methemoglobin reductase. |
|
Causes severe oxygen deficiency and can lead to death for those at high risk. |
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| Radium |
|
A lifetime of drinking water with high levels of radium may increase the risk of certain cancers. |
|
Increases blood pressure that can eventually lead to hypertension.
|
|
| Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) |
|
Temporary laxative affect may occur after drinking water when sulfates make up most of the TDS.
|
Household plumbing and appliances will deteriorate faster. |
||
|
At normal levels, zinc is not a health hazard.
|
|
In high concentrations (675 mg/l and above), zinc can act as an intestinal irritant, causing nausea and vomiting. |
(Source: DHEC’s Common Water Quality Problems and their Treatment and EPA)
Information for High Risk Groups
Some populations are at a greater risk of experiencing health effects when exposed to certain contaminants. These sensitive populations include:
- Pregnant women
- Fetuses
- Infants
- Young children
- Individuals with reduced gastric acidity
- Individuals with a hereditary lack of methemoglobin reductase
These groups (listed above) should be particularly careful about exposure to the following contaminants:
Additional Information & Links
- Common Water Quality Problems and Their Treatment
- Where do these contaminants come from?
- Basic information about drinking water contaminants
- Listing of additional drinking water contaminants and EPA's standards on acceptable amounts.
- More information about health effects of contaminants in drinking water
- Testing your drinking water
- EPA's Secondary Drinking Water Regulations are guidelines for contaminants that may cause cosmetic or aesthetic effects in drinking water.