Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining or farming.
Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

Organic chemical contaminants, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production and also can come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff and septic systems.

Synthetic organic contaminants are man-made compounds used for a variety of industrial and agricultural purposes. This group of contaminants includes pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, and dioxin.

Microbiological contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations and wildlife. Cryptosporidium is an example of a microbiological contaminant affecting surface water sources.

Health-related information about lead:
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. SAWS is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in household plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. SAWS water is well below the action level. This information is provided as a general guideline only. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.