Terms And Abbreviations

 

Constituents:
Components or elements found in drinking water.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL):
The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in
drinking water. Primary MCLs are set as close to the PHGs (or MCLGs) as is economically and technol-
ogically feasible. Secondary MCLs are set to protect the odor, taste, and appearance of drinking water.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG):
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs are set by the USEPA.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL):
The level of a disinfectant added for water treatment that may not be exceeded at the consumer’s tap.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL):
The level of a disinfectant added for water treatment that may not be exceeded at the consumer’s tap.  

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG):
The level of a disinfectant added for water treatment below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs are set by the USEPA.

Primary Drinking Water Standard (PDWS):
The MCLs and MRDLs for contaminants that affect health along with their monitoring and reporting requirements, and water treatment requirements.

Public Health Goal (PHG):
A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

Regulatory Action Level:
A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

Treatment Technique (TT):
A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

THE FOUR TERMS TO EXAMINE

Primary Standards
Mandatory health-related standards that may cause health problems in drinking water.
   
Secondary Standards
Aesthetic standards (non health-related) that could cause odor, taste, or appearance problems in drinking water.
   
Unregulated Parameters
Information about contaminants that are monitored but are not currently regulated by federal and state health agencies.
   
Additional Parameters
Information that may also be of interest to our customers.