- Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

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In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population.

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Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons 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. EPA/CDC 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).

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. The Town of Union Bridge is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, and removing Lead pipes, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. You share the responsibility for protecting yourself and your family from the Lead in your home plumbing. You can take responsibility by identifying and removing Lead materials within your home plumbing and taking steps to reduce your family's risk. Before drinking tap water, flush your tap for several minutes by running your tap, taking a shower, doing laundry or a load of dishes. You can also use a filter certified by an American National Standards Institute accredited certifier to reduce Lead in drinking water. If you are concerned about lead in your water, and wish to have your water tested, contact the Town of Union Bridge. 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.

"PFAS – short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – refers to a large group of more than 4,000 human-made chemicals that have been used since the 1940's in a range of products, including stain- and water-resistant fabrics and carpeting, cleaning products, paints, cookware, food packaging and fire-fighting foams. These uses of PFAS have led to PFAS entering our environment, where they have been measured by several states in soil, surface water, groundwater and seafood. Some PFAS can last a long time in the environment and in the human body and can accumulate in the food chain.

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) conducted a PFAS monitoring program for Community Water Systems from 2020 to 2022. The results are available on MDES's website: https://mde.maryland.gov/PublicHealth/Pages/PFAS-Landing-Page.aspx.

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed regulations for 6 PFAS compounds in drinking water in March 2023. The MCL's for PFOA and PFOS are proposed to be 4.0 parts per trillion (ppt). The proposal for HFPO-DA (GenX), PFBS, PFNA and PFHxS is to use a Hazard Index of 1.0 (unitless) to determine if the combined levels of these PFAS pose a risk and require action.

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The 5th Unregulated Contamination Monitoring Rule (UCMR5) began testing for 29 PFAS compounds and Lithium in 2023, and testing will run through 2025. The UCMR5 should test all community water systems with populations of at least 3,300 people. Three randomly selected systems in Maryland with populations less than 3,300 people will also be tested under the UCMR5. Detections greater than the minimum reporting levels for each constituent should be reported in the CCR.