Learn the Issues
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Infrastructure Task Force Tribal Solid Waste Management
As a community member it is your right to know if your public water system is providing you with water that is safe to drink
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PFAS Strategic Roadmap: EPA's Commitments to Action 2021-2024
Learn about EPA's PFAS Strategic Roadmap—laying out a whole-of-agency approach to addressing PFAS.
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EPA in Puerto Rico
Portal for news and information about EPA's efforts in Puerto Rico and PR environmental conditions.
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Chesapeake Appalachia, LLC - Tall Trees
Chesapeake Appalachia, LLC - Tall Trees. Rock Cave, Upshur Co., W.Va. Sept. 15, 2011
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Denver Water Variance Associated Documents
Denver Water’s request for a SDWA variance has been signed. Attached are the signed cover letter, order, appendix, and signed version of the FR notice.
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Report: Inter-annual Variability of Benthic Macroinvertebrate Communities in the Bonita Peak Mining District
Report on Inter-annual Variability of Benthic Macroinvertebrate Communities in the Bonita Peak Mining District, December 2020
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Upper Animas Mining District: Smelter Map
Map of smelters in the Upper Animas Mining District around Silverton, in San Juan County, Colorado.
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Ecological Risk Assessment
A key part of EPA’s mission is understanding the potential effects of environmental stressors created by human activities. As legislatively mandated, EPA pursues options to manage risks from those stressors to protect the health of the natural environment.
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What are the possible health effects of nitrate exposure?
Short-term: Excessive levels of nitrate in drinking water have caused serious illness and sometimes death. The serious illness in infants is due to the conversion of nitrate to nitrite by the body, which can interfere with the oxygen-carrying capacity of the child’s blood leading to blue baby syndrome (methemoglobinemia). This…
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What should I do if my water has elevated nitrates and/or exceeds the MCL?
If nitrate exceeds the MCL of 10 mg/L, you should find a safe alternative drinking water supply. The quickest thing to do is to begin using bottled water for drinking. Another option is to install a treatment that will remove nitrate from your water such as reverse osmosis or a…
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Why is nitrate contamination a concern?
Nitrate is an acute contaminant, meaning that health effects can occur immediately (I.e. within hours or days) of short-term exposure. Too much nitrate in your body makes it harder for red blood cells to carry oxygen. While most people recover quickly, this can be very dangerous for infants and some…
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Will boiling my water help?
No. Boiling water will NOT reduce nitrate levels. In fact, it will make the level of nitrate worse because some of the water will evaporate but the nitrate will not. This increases the concentration of nitrate in water.
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What is EPA doing?
EPA is working with its governmental partners and other stakeholders to investigate and address the issue. Most recently, EPA issued a letter to the state of Minnesota requesting a plan of action to address nitrate contamination in drinking water.
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Is it safe to shower or bathe in water if it is over the nitrate MCL of 10 mg/L?
Nitrate is only a concern for ingestion (eating and drinking). It is not absorbed through your skin. People who install filter systems for nitrate often install them just for their kitchen sink faucet, and they use that faucet for their cooking and drinking water.
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Environmental Financial Advisory Board (EFAB) Meeting Materials - May 11, 2023
Materials for EFAB meeting.
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How do I have my drinking water tested in the future?
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends you use an accredited laboratory to test your water. Contact an accredited laboratory to get sample containers and instructions or ask your county environmental or public health services if they provide well testing services. Accredited Labs in Minnesota Accepting Drinking Water Samples from Private…
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How are people potentially exposed to nitrate?
For many situations, the potential for children’s exposure from drinking water is medium to low. The potential can be higher when private wells become contaminated with nitrates from feed lot and agricultural runoff, and contaminated groundwater. Some geographic areas are at higher risk of drinking water contamination of private wells…
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Energy and Environment Guide to Action- Full Report
Provides in-depth information about over a dozen energy efficiency, renewable energy, and combined heat and power policies and programs that states are using to meeting their energy, environmental, and economic objectives.
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Energy and Environment Guide to Action 2015 Edition
Presents in-depth information about state policies and best practices used to meet energy, environmental, and economic objectives.
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Cleanup Activities
Links to interactive maps and resutls viewer