Aluminium contaminates water via:

• Use of aluminium-based coagulants in water treatment.

• Erosion of rocks or soil.

• Industrial runoff.

High aluminium levels can cause water to appear hazy or bluish. While the health impacts of aluminium are not fully known, it may lead to skin and tooth discoloration. Testing essential to determine safe levels and appropriate treatment methods.

Antimony contaminates water through:

• Industrial pollution from mining and smelting.

• Natural leaching from deposits.

• Corrosion of plumbing materials containing antimony.

Exposure to high antimony levels can lead to stomach pain and diarrhoea. More seriously, antimony can cause cardiovascular issues, and long-term organ damage. Testing is crucial, especially near industrial sites, as antimony is undetectable by taste, smell, or sight.

Arsenic contaminates water by:

• Erosion of arsenic-rich soil and rocks into groundwater.

• Runoff from agricultural pesticides and industrial activities.

High arsenic levels can cause skin problems, affect child development, and increase risks of cancer and heart disease. Private well owners are particularly at risk, making testing by a certified lab essential.

Boron enters water through:

• Leaching from natural deposits.

• Agricultural runoff with fertilisers and pesticides.

• Industrial waste from manufacturing processes.

Boron is necessary in small amounts for plant growth. But, excessive boron can cause reproductive problems and developmental issues in children. Boron is tasteless and odourless, making testing the only way to detect high levels.

Cadmium contamination occurs via:

• Corrosion of galvanised pipes and plumbing fixtures.

• Mining operations and industrial waste.

• Erosion of cadmium-containing natural deposits.

Short-term exposure can cause flu-like symptoms. Chronic exposure harms kidneys and bones and increases cancer risk. Cadmium is invisible, odourless, and tasteless, necessitating testing. Testing is particularly important for those with galvanised plumbing or living near industrial areas.

Chromium enters water sources through:

• Erosion of chromium-rich rocks.

• Runoff from mining and industrial waste.

There are 2 main types of Chromium in water, CrIII (an essential nutrient) and CrVI (a potent carcinogen). Chromium VI exposure can lead to cancer, liver and kidney damage, circulatory disorders, and nerve damage. Testing is necessary to identify and mitigate chromium contamination.

Copper, a naturally occurring soft metal, often contaminates water through:

• Corrosion of copper pipes and plumbing fixtures.

• Leaching from faucets and fittings.

While essential in small amounts, excessive copper can damage kidneys and liver over time. Acute symptons of copper toxicity include vomiting and stomach cramps in high doses. Signs of copper contamination include a metallic taste and blue-green stains on fixtures. Testing is recommended to accurately determine copper levels.

Iron enters water through:

• Natural erosion of iron-rich soils and rocks.

• Corrosion of iron pipes and plumbing fixtures.

• Industrial waste from mining and steel manufacturing.

Although not generally harmful, high iron levels affect water taste and appearance. High iron levels in water may cause a metallic taste or rusty colour and staining clothing or appliances. Testing is advisable if you notice these signs to manage iron levels effectively.

Lead, a toxic bluish-silver metal, can enter tap water through:

• Corrosion of pipes and fixtures, especially in older homes.

• Erosion of natural deposits into water sources.

• Industrial waste contamination.

Even low lead levels are dangerous, particularly for children. Lead poisoning has been linked to headaches, high blood pressure, kidney failure, and developmental issues. Testing by a certified laboratory is crucial for ensuring water safety from lead, especially in older homes.

Manganese enters water through:

• Natural presence in rocks and soil.

• Corrosion of pipes.

High manganese levels can cause a metallic taste, discoloration, and black deposits. Long-term exposure may lead to nervous system toxicity, especially in infants. Testing is the only way to assess manganese levels and address contamination.

Mercury contaminates water through:

• Industrial activities, particularly coal-burning plants.

• Erosion of natural mercury deposits.

• Improper disposal of mercury-containing products.

Mercury is highly toxic, causing nervous system damage, kidney impairment, and immune system issues. It is especially dangerous for pregnant women and children, affecting brain development. As mercury is undetectable by sight, smell, or taste, certified laboratory testing is the only way to confirm contamination.

Nickel contamination arises from:

• Mining and smelting activities.

• Nickel-plated faucets and fixtures.

Nickel ingestion at common levels is not harmful. However, skin irritation from showering or bathing may indicate high levels. Testing helps determine nickel presence and necessary actions to ensure water safety.

Selenium enters water via:

• Erosion of selenium-rich soil and deposits.

• Agricultural runoff from fertilisers and pesticides.

• Industrial waste from mining and refining.

Selenium is an essential micronutrient in trace amounts. But, excessive selenium can cause headaches, insomnia, hair loss, and kidney problems. Testing is necessary to determine selenium levels, particularly for those near agricultural or mining areas.