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Aesthetic Problems - Bad taste, Bad color, Bad odor- These
are the most noticeable problems but they wont necessarily hurt
you.
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Lead - There is virtually no lead in water at its source.
Lead is picked up by lead service lines, by pluming in older homes, from
soldered joints in copper pipes and brass fixtures. Lead can cause serious
problems in infants and young children as well as adults.
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Nitrate - Nitrate is more common in rural areas from fertilizer
and manure. It is dangerous to young children and pregnant women.
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Organic Chemicals - These are more often found in industrial
and agricultural areas than other areas. Herbicides and other organic
compounds end up in the water. Some organic pollutants are the result
of water-chlorinization systems.
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Pathogens - Microorganisms from decaying vegetation and
human and animal wastes. Most home filters do not claim to stop bacteria.
Chlorine added at water plants should eliminate most. If you have a private
well system it is up to you to remove the pathogens.