Table 8.2, WHO guideline values for drinking-water quality: chemical contaminants II - WHO Housing and Health Guidelines

Compound	Guideline value
Arsenic	0.01 mg/l (10 μg/l) The guideline value is designated as provisional on the basis of treatment performance and analytical achievability. Arsenic is usually present in natural waters at concentrations of less than 1–2 μg/l. However, in waters, particularly groundwaters, where there are sulfide mineral deposits and sedimentary deposits deriving from volcanic rocks, the concentrations can be significantly elevated. Signs of chronic arsenicism, including dermal lesions, such as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation, peripheral neuropathy, skin cancer, bladder and lung cancers and peripheral vascular disease, have been observed in populations ingesting arsenic-contaminated drinking-water. For local non-piped water supplies, the first option for control is often substitution by, or dilution with, microbially safe low-arsenic sources. It may also be appropriate to use alternative sources for drinking and cooking but to use the contaminated sources for purposes such as washing and laundry.
Fluoride	1.5 mg/l (1500 μg/l) Traces of fluorides are present in many waters, with higher concentrations often associated with groundwaters. Skeletal fluorosis (with adverse changes in bone structure) may be observed when drinking-water contains 3–6 mg/l fluoride, particularly with high water consumption. Crippling skeletal fluorosis usually develops only where drinking-water contains over 10 mg/l. The risk of dental fluorosis will depend on the total intake of fluoride from all sources and not just the concentration in drinking-water. A management guidance document on fluoride is available. In some countries, fluoride may also be added to drinkingwater in order to provide protection against dental caries, such that final concentrations are usually between 0.5 and 1 mg/l.
Nitrate	50 mg/l (50 000 μg/l) Methaemoglobinaemia has most frequently been associated with private wells. The most appropriate means of controlling nitrate concentrations, particularly in groundwater, is the prevention of contamination. This may take the form of appropriate management of agricultural practices, the careful siting of pit latrines and septic tanks, sewer leakage control, as well as management of fertilizer and manure application and storage of animal manures. It may also take the form of denitrification of wastewater effluents.

Compound

Guideline value

Arsenic

0.01 mg/l (10 μg/l)
The guideline value is designated as provisional on the basis of treatment performance and analytical achievability.
Arsenic is usually present in natural waters at concentrations of less than 1–2 μg/l. However, in waters, particularly groundwaters, where there are sulfide mineral deposits and sedimentary deposits deriving from volcanic rocks, the concentrations can be significantly elevated. Signs of chronic arsenicism, including dermal lesions, such as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation, peripheral neuropathy, skin cancer, bladder and lung cancers and peripheral vascular disease, have been observed in populations ingesting arsenic-contaminated drinking-water. For local non-piped water supplies, the first option for control is often substitution by, or dilution with, microbially safe low-arsenic sources. It may also be appropriate to use alternative sources for drinking and cooking but to use the contaminated sources for purposes such as washing and laundry.

Fluoride

1.5 mg/l (1500 μg/l)
Traces of fluorides are present in many waters, with higher concentrations often associated with groundwaters. Skeletal fluorosis (with adverse changes in bone structure) may be observed when drinking-water contains 3–6 mg/l fluoride, particularly with high water consumption. Crippling skeletal fluorosis usually develops only where drinking-water contains over 10 mg/l. The risk of dental fluorosis will depend on the total intake of fluoride from all sources and not just the concentration in drinking-water. A management guidance document on fluoride is available. In some countries, fluoride may also be added to drinkingwater in order to provide protection against dental caries, such that final concentrations are usually between 0.5 and 1 mg/l.

Nitrate

50 mg/l (50 000 μg/l)
Methaemoglobinaemia has most frequently been associated with private wells. The most appropriate means of controlling nitrate concentrations, particularly in groundwater, is the prevention of contamination. This may take the form of appropriate management of agricultural practices, the careful siting of pit latrines and septic tanks, sewer leakage control, as well as management of fertilizer and manure application and storage of animal manures. It may also take the form of denitrification of wastewater effluents.

From: 8, WHO guidelines for other key housing risk factors

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Table 8.2WHO guideline values for drinking-water quality: chemical contaminants II

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