UCMR 5
Information
On December 27, 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the Fifth Unregulated Contaminated Monitoring Rule regulation (UCMR 5) in the Federal Register. This regulation requires the New Design water system to collect quarterly samples during the 2025 calendar year. These samples will satisfy the requirements of the UMCR 5 and provide the EPA with new data to improve their understanding of the frequency and levels of lithium, and 29 per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in the nation’s drinking water systems.
For more information on UCMR 5 testing, please visit the US EPA's website:
Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule
New Design Water Treatment Plant Results
Health Effects
Chronic (Long-Term) Lithium Toxicity
People who have chronic lithium toxicity often develop kidney damage resulting in certain kidney diseases.
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus happens when your kidneys can’t properly balance bodily fluids. Your body can’t respond properly to a natural hormone called antidiuretic hormone.
Sodium-losing nephritis happens when kidney damage leads to electrolyte imbalances.
Nephrotic syndrome happens when your kidneys release an excessive amount of protein (proteinuria) in your urine.
Chronic lithium toxicity can also cause endocrine system issues, including:
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hyperparathyroidism
Exposure to PFAS May be Harmful to Human Health
Current scientific research suggests that exposure to certain PFAS may lead to adverse health outcomes. However, research is still ongoing to determine how different levels of exposure to different PFAS can lead to a variety of health effects. Research is also underway to better understand the health effects associated with low levels of exposure to PFAS over long periods of time, especially in children.
What We Know about Health Effects
Current peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to:
- Reproductive effects such as decreased fertility or increased high blood pressure in pregnant women.
- Developmental effects or delays in children, including low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, or behavioral changes.
- Increased risk of some cancers, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers.
- Reduced ability of the body’s immune system to fight infections, including reduced vaccine response.
- Interference with the body’s natural hormones.
- Increased cholesterol levels and/or risk of obesity.
Additional information about lithium and PFAS
Technical Fact Sheet: Lithium in Drinking Water
Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS | US EPA