WAC 246-290-72350

This section takes effect on January 1, 2027. All reports must prominently display the following language: Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised people such as people with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, people who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. Environmental Protection Agency/Centers for Disease Control guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline ( 800-426-4791) or on EPA's website epa.gov/safewater.

(1) A system that detects arsenic levels above 0.005 mg/L and up to and including 0.010 mg/L:

(a) Must include in its report a short informational statement about arsenic, using language such as: Arsenic is known to cause cancer in humans. Arsenic also may cause other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems. (NAME OF SYSTEM) meets the EPA arsenic drinking water standard, also known as a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). However, you should know that EPA's MCL for arsenic balances the scientific community's understanding of arsenic-related health effects and the cost of removing arsenic from drinking water. The highest concentration of arsenic found in (YEAR) was (INSERT MAX ARSENIC LEVEL UNDER WAC 246-290-72230 (4)(d)) ppb.

(b) May use an alternative educational statement approved by the department.

(2) A system that detects nitrate at levels above 5 mg/L, but below the MCL:

(a) Must include a short informational statement about the impacts of nitrate on children using language such as: Even though (NAME OF SYSTEM) meets the EPA nitrate drinking water standard, also known as a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), if you are caring for an infant and using tap water to prepare formula, you may want to use alternate sources of water or ask for advice from your health care provider. Nitrate levels above 10 ppm pose a particularly high health concern for infants under six months of age and can interfere with the capacity of the infant's blood to carry oxygen, resulting in a serious illness. Symptoms of serious illness include shortness of breath and blueness of the skin, known as "blue baby syndrome." Nitrate levels in drinking water increase for short periods of time due to high levels of rainfall or agricultural activity, therefore we test for nitrate (INSERT APPLICABLE SAMPLING FREQUENCY). The highest level for nitrate found during (YEAR) was (INSERT MAX NITRATE LEVEL UNDER WAC 246-290-72230 (4)(d)) ppm.

(b) May use an alternative educational statement approved by the department.

(3) All reports must include a short informational statement about lead in drinking water and its effects on children.

(a) The statement must include the following information: 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. (NAME OF SYSTEM) is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in 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 two 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. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

(b) A system may write its own educational statement, but only in consultation with the department.