Drinking water quality can be affected by a variety of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and minerals.

Exposure to contaminated drinking water can lead to a variety of health problems, including gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets national standards for drinking water quality, including maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for various pollutants. Public water systems are required to meet these standards, but private well owners are responsible for testing their own water and ensuring that it meets safe drinking water standards