3745-96-03. Required additional health information

(A) All reports shall prominently display the following language: "Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised 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. USEPA/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 [phone])."

(B) A community water system that detects arsenic above 0.005 mg/L and up to and including 0.010 mg/L shall include the following informational statement: "While your drinking water meets EPA's standards for arsenic, it does contain low levels of arsenic. EPA's standard balances the current understanding of arsenic's possible health effects against the costs of removing arsenic from drinking water. EPA continues to research the health effects of low levels of arsenic, which is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linked to other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems."

(C) A community water system which detects nitrate at levels above five mg/L, and up to and including ten mg/L shall include an informational statement about the impacts of nitrate on children using the following language: "Nitrate in drinking water at levels above ten mg/L is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If you are caring for an infant you should ask advice from your health care provider."

(D) All community water systems shall include the following lead-specific information about lead in drinking water and its effects on children: "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 UTILITY] 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 thirty 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. A list of laboratories certified in the State of Ohio to test for lead may be found at http://www.epa.ohio.gov/ddagw or by calling 614-644-2752. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead."

(E) Community water systems that detect total trihalomethanes (TTHMS) monitored and calculated as an annual average under the provisions in rule 3745-81-24 of the Administrative Code, shall include health effects language prescribed by the appendix to rule 3745-96-02 of the Administrative Code if that level is above the MCL of 0.080 mg/L, even if the water system is not yet required to comply with the MCL.

Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 10/26/2015 and 10/26/2020
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 6109.04
Rule Amplifies: 6109.03, 6109.04
Prior Effective Dates: 05/01/01, 09/01/03, 08/01/05, 07/24/09

Prior History: (Effective: 10/31/2010
R.C. 119.032 review dates: 08/16/2010 and 10/31/2015
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 6109.04
Rule Amplifies: 6109.03, 6109.04
Prior Effective Dates: 05/01/01, 09/01/03, 08/01/05, 07/24/09 )