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Types of Drinking Water Contaminants

Explore more in-depth information on the common and emerging drinking water contaminants listed below:

​Chemical contaminants are elements or compounds that can be natural or man-made.

Arsenic

Disinfection Byproducts

Emerging Contaminants

Lead

Pesticides

Biological contaminants are small living organisms, sometimes called microbes or microbiological contaminants.

• Types: Bacteria, Viruses, Protozoa & Parasites​​​

Adenovirus

Cryptosporidium

E. coli

H. pylori

Legionella

N. fowleri

Radiological contaminants are radioactive particles that can be naturally occurring or man-made.

• Examples: Radium, Radon, Uranium

Radionuclides

Physical contaminants usually affect the look and taste of drinking water.

• Examples: Iron, Choride, Sediment

Secondary Standards

Turbidity

Taste & Appearance