Why Is This Important?

People may be exposed to mercury from a variety of sources, including drinking water. Mercury, carried by wind and rain, is found throughout the environment mostly due to the release of naturally occurring mercury from rock and soil; burning of coal and oil that contains small amounts of mercury; release of mercury from metal smelters; and incineration of materials that contain mercury, such as batteries. Too much mercury in the human body can cause serious damage to the brain, nervous system, and kidneys. Young children and developing fetuses are at greatest risk for harmful effects of mercury.

Definition

Percent of tested private wells with mercury levels exceeding the maximum contaminant level of 2 micrograms per liter (ug/l)

Data Notes

Data Source

How the Measure is Calculated

• Numerator:

  Number of tested private wells with mercury levels exceeding the maximum contaminant level of 2 ug/l in a specified period of time

• Denominator:

  Number of tested private wells in a specified period of time

Related Risk Factors Indicators:

• Arsenic in Private Wells
• Nitrate in Private Wells
• Fecal Coliform or E. coli in Private Wells
• Gross Alpha in Private Wells
• Private Well Usage: Self-Reported as Main Source of Drinking Water

Health Topic Pages Related to: Mercury in Private Wells

• Water Quality