Water Pollution

There are many sources of pollution in our waters. In addition to point sources such as sewage and industrial waste, a great deal of water pollution comes from non-point sources such as agricultural runoff, and stormwater drainage. Common water pollutants include pesticides, lead, arsenic and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The protection of our water sources from these and other pollutants is one of the EPA's most important challenges. Under the Clean Water Act, the Agency regulates discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and sets effluent standards. The EPA also works with state and local authorities to control the pollution from non-point sourcesater Pollutants
There is no such thing as naturally pure water. In nature, all water contains some impurities. As water flows in streams, sits in lakes, and filters through layers of soil and rock in the ground, it dissolves or absorbs the substances that it touches. Some of these substances are harmless. In fact, some people prefer mineral water precisely because minerals give it an appealing taste. However, at certain levels minerals, just like man-made chemicals, are considered contaminants that can make water unpalatable or even unsafe.
Some contaminants come from erosion of natural rock formations. Other contaminants are substances discharged from factories, applied to farmlands, or used by consumers in their homes and yards. Sources of contaminants might be in your neighborhood or might be many miles away. Your local water quality report tells which contaminants are in your drinking water, the levels at which they were found, and the actual or likely source of each contaminant.
Some ground water systems have established wellhead protection programs to prevent substances from contaminating their wells. Similarly, some surface water systems protect the watershed around their reservoir to prevent contamination. Right now, states and water suppliers are working systematically to assess every source of drinking water and to identify potential sources of contaminants. This process will help communities to protect their drinking water supplies from contamination, and a summary of the results will be in future water quality reports.
List of Contaminants & their MCLsMicroorganisms, Disinfectants, Disinfection Byproducts, Inorganic Chemicals, Organic Chemicals, Radionuclides