Drinking Water Sources
•Surface Water
Rivers, lakes, freshwater wetlands, artificial resevoirs
•Ground Water
Water found in the pores between rocks and soil or in underground aquifers
Rivers, lakes, freshwater wetlands, artificial resevoirs
•Ground Water
Water found in the pores between rocks and soil or in underground aquifers
Water Quality Standards
The World Health Organization (WHO) sets water quality standards at an international level. Individual countries are free to set their own water standards to the level they wish as long as it meets or exceeds minimum WHO guidelines. In the United States, the EPA sets the standards at a national level. States also have their own quality standards; for example, the Department of Health is responsible for setting water quality standards in Minnesota. At the local level, individual cities can further set their own water quality standards adhering to the levels of the WHO, EPA, and state.
Contaminant Categories (MN Dept. Health).
•Pesticides and Industrial Contaminants
•Bacteriological Contamination
•Nitrate
•Inorganic Chemicals and Radioactive Elements
•Disinfection By-products
•Lead and Copper
Consumer Reports
Communities conduct assessments of their water quality and publish the results in a consumer report. See the link below for an example of a consumer confidence report from Northfield, MN.
The World Health Organization (WHO) sets water quality standards at an international level. Individual countries are free to set their own water standards to the level they wish as long as it meets or exceeds minimum WHO guidelines. In the United States, the EPA sets the standards at a national level. States also have their own quality standards; for example, the Department of Health is responsible for setting water quality standards in Minnesota. At the local level, individual cities can further set their own water quality standards adhering to the levels of the WHO, EPA, and state.
Contaminant Categories (MN Dept. Health).
•Pesticides and Industrial Contaminants
•Bacteriological Contamination
•Nitrate
•Inorganic Chemicals and Radioactive Elements
•Disinfection By-products
•Lead and Copper
Consumer Reports
Communities conduct assessments of their water quality and publish the results in a consumer report. See the link below for an example of a consumer confidence report from Northfield, MN.