Pangia · Human Environment Audit
Sample Reference Document
Applied Biological Sciences
Water Health
Blueprint
A comprehensive assessment of residential drinking water quality. Results are evaluated against two independent frameworks: the EPA's legal standards and EWG's science-based health guidelines. Together they provide a complete picture of what is in your water and what it means for your health.
Prepared For Sample Residential Assessment
Asheville, NC · Municipal Water Supply
Prepared By Connor P. Moore
CEO, Pangia
Pangia
About This Assessment
What your water contains, and what it means

A standard water bill tells you your water is legal. This report tells you whether it is safe. Those are two different questions with two different answers. Most households have only ever been given one of them.

This assessment tests for compounds that municipal systems are not required to disclose individually, evaluates results against health-based thresholds developed by independent scientists, and presents findings in a framework designed for decisions. Not compliance.

Every result in this document is an actual laboratory measurement conducted by an accredited analytical facility using EPA-approved methods. Nothing is estimated or extrapolated. Where compounds were not detected, that result is documented with the specific instrument detection limit, so you know exactly how low we looked.

Collection Date
March 18, 2026
Sample Location
Kitchen Sink, First Draw
Water Source
Asheville Municipal
Testing Labs
Microbac / Enthalpy Analytical
Total Analytes
96 Compounds Tested
How to Read This Report
✓ Meets Both Standards
Pass
The measured level is below both the EPA legal limit and EWG's science-based health guideline. No action required for this compound at this time.
⚠ Below Legal Limit. Above Health Guideline
Elevated
The measured level meets EPA legal requirements but exceeds EWG's health-based threshold. This compound is present at a level that independent scientists consider relevant to long-term health.
✗ Confirmed Finding
Exceeds Threshold
The measured level exceeds one or more health-based benchmarks. This result requires attention and informs the protocol recommendations in Section IV of the full report.
The Two Frameworks
EPA · U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Maximum Contaminant Levels
The EPA sets legally enforceable limits for approximately 90 contaminants under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These limits are established through a process that balances public health protection with economic and technical feasibility. Cost of treatment affects where the line is drawn. EPA limits have not been meaningfully updated for most compounds in over 20 years. A water supply can fully comply with all EPA standards and still contain carcinogens at levels associated with increased cancer risk.
EWG · Environmental Working Group
Health-Based Guidelines
EWG's health guidelines are derived exclusively from peer-reviewed scientific literature, the same research used by California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and the EPA's own toxicology division. Unlike legal limits, EWG guidelines are not constrained by cost of treatment or political feasibility. They represent the concentration at which independent scientists have determined health risk to be negligible. For known carcinogens, EWG guidelines are typically calibrated to a one-in-one-million excess lifetime cancer risk.
Assessment Summary · 96 Analytes
4
Confirmed Findings
Above Health Thresholds
0
Elevated
Legal but Above Guideline
88
Not Detected
Below Instrument Detection
4
Detected & Within
All Standards
Primary Findings
Confirmed. Exceeds Health Threshold
Hexavalent Chromium (Cr-6)
0.39 ppb 19.5× over EWG
Classified as a known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Detected at 3.9× the laboratory's reporting limit, a confirmed and accurately quantified result. EPA has no federal limit for Cr-6 specifically; a federal standard is expected by 2027. California's health-based limit is 0.02 ppb. Targets gastrointestinal tissue and liver via direct DNA damage.
Confirmed. Exceeds Health Threshold
Chloroform (THM)
33 ppb 82× over EWG
Chloroform constitutes 96% of the total trihalomethane load in this sample. Trihalomethanes form when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with naturally occurring organic matter. Human cohort studies show a 68% relative increase in colorectal cancer risk at the concentration range detected here. Exposure occurs through both drinking and shower inhalation.
Confirmed. Exceeds Health Threshold
Total Trihalomethanes
34.4 ppb 229× over EWG
The sum of all four regulated trihalomethanes. While below the EPA's 80 ppb legal limit, total TTHMs are 229 times over EWG's health-based guideline of 0.15 ppb. The 2020 EWG peer-reviewed study established that disinfection byproducts at national average levels, lower than this sample, contribute to approximately 3 excess cancer cases per 1,000 people over a lifetime.
Confirmed. Exceeds Health Threshold
Bromodichloromethane (THM)
1.36 ppb 23× over EWG
A brominated trihalomethane. The presence of bromine indicates active bromination chemistry in this distribution system. The National Toxicology Program classifies bromodichloromethane as a probable human carcinogen. Brominated THMs are associated with elevated bladder cancer risk in epidemiological studies. This finding also signals likely presence of brominated haloacetic acids, which are more carcinogenic than TTHMs by mass.
Section I
Water Chemistry Profile
9 parameters
Physical and chemical characteristics that define how your water behaves: its corrosivity, mineral content, and treatment byproduct formation potential. These parameters provide context for all other findings.
Analyte
Measurement & Significance
EWG Guideline
Your Result
EPA Standard
pH Acidity/alkalinity scale. Affects corrosivity, treatment efficiency, and disinfection byproduct formation.
7.3 pH units Slightly alkaline. Normal range for treated municipal water. Does not indicate corrosivity alone.
No guideline
7.3 pH
Pass
6.5 – 8.5 secondary std
Langelier Saturation Index Measures whether water will dissolve or deposit minerals. Negative values indicate corrosive water that leaches pipe materials.
−2.84 unitless index Highly corrosive. This water is actively dissolving pipe materials at every contact point. The most aggressive end of the municipal water spectrum. Physical evidence: confirmed zinc detection consistent with pipe leaching.
No guideline
−2.84 corrosive range
Critical
No limit unregulated
Total Dissolved Solids Total concentration of dissolved minerals. Very low values indicate chemically "hungry" water that aggressively leaches materials it contacts.
38.8 ppm PPM Extremely low. Essentially rainwater in mineral content. Amplifies the corrosivity indicated by the LSI. Soft, low-TDS water leaches pipes more aggressively than hard water.
No guideline
38.8 ppm
Noted
500 ppm secondary std
Hardness Calcium and magnesium concentration. Very soft water is associated with increased leaching of lead and copper from pipes.
4.54 ppm PPM (0.27 grains/gal) Exceptionally soft. At 0.27 grains per gallon, this is near the bottom of the measurable range. WHO recommends a minimum of 10 ppm for pipe protection. This water provides essentially no mineral buffering against corrosion.
No guideline
4.54 ppm
Noted
No limit unregulated
Total THMs Sum of four disinfection byproducts formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter. The primary DBP indicator and the most extensively studied group for cancer associations.
34.4 ppb PPB 229× over EWG guideline. Below EPA's 80 ppb legal limit but at a level associated with meaningful excess cancer risk in peer-reviewed human cohort studies. 2020 EWG study: national average DBP exposure contributes ~3 excess cancer cases per 1,000 people lifetime; this water exceeds national average on all relevant dimensions.
0.15 ppb EWG health guideline
34.4 ppb 229× over EWG
Confirmed
80 ppb EPA standard. Pass
Sodium Relevant for individuals managing hypertension or on sodium-restricted diets. Elevated levels can indicate water softener use or road salt infiltration.
12.4 ppm PPM Well below EPA's 20 ppm advisory level for individuals on low-sodium diets. Not a concern at this level for the general population.
No guideline
12.4 ppm
Pass
20 ppm advisory
Phosphorus Often added by municipalities as orthophosphate, a corrosion inhibitor that coats pipe walls to reduce lead and copper leaching.
0.542 ppm PPM Consistent with orthophosphate corrosion inhibitor dosing. The city is actively adding phosphate to reduce lead and copper leaching, an acknowledgment of the water's corrosive character. Despite this treatment, LSI remains highly negative.
No guideline
0.542 ppm
Noted
No limit unregulated
Zinc Zinc is not present in Asheville's source water. Detection at the tap is physical evidence of pipe leaching. Galvanized or brass components are dissolving into the water supply.
0.137 ppm PPM Confirmed leachate from distribution system or in-home plumbing. Not a health concern at this level, but forensic evidence that Asheville's corrosive, low-TDS water is actively dissolving pipe materials. This same mechanism drives concern for lead in pre-1986 homes.
No guideline
0.137 ppm
Noted
5 ppm secondary std
Section II
Disinfection Byproducts
4 THMs tested. 2 detected
Trihalomethanes form when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in source water. All four regulated THMs were tested. Two were detected above the reporting limit. The 2020 peer-reviewed EWG study found that disinfection byproducts at national average levels contribute approximately 3 excess cancer cases per 1,000 people over a lifetime. This sample exceeds national average DBP levels.
Analyte
Measurement & Significance
EWG Guideline
Your Result
EPA Standard
Chloroform The most abundant THM in chlorinated municipal water. Classified as a probable human carcinogen. Primary target organs: liver, kidney, colorectal tissue. Also absorbed through skin and inhaled during showering.
33 ppb PPB Constitutes 96% of total TTHM load. At the concentration range documented in the Iowa Women's Health Study (14–287 ppb), human cohort data shows a 68% relative increase in colorectal cancer risk. Dual exposure pathway: ingestion and shower inhalation. Blood chloroform increases 2–7× after showering.
0.4 ppb EWG health guideline
33 ppb 82× over EWG
Confirmed
70 ppb MCLG EPA standard. Pass
Bromodichloromethane A brominated THM, more reactive than chloroform in certain tissue systems. Its presence indicates active bromination chemistry and predicts presence of brominated haloacetic acids, which are more carcinogenic than TTHMs.
1.36 ppb PPB NTP classifies as probable human carcinogen. A 2024 study found a hazard ratio of 1.30 for cancer mortality at levels consistent with this finding. The brominated fraction is specifically associated with bladder cancer risk. This detection strongly suggests brominated haloacetic acids (HAA9) are present but were not included in this panel.
0.06 ppb EWG health guideline
1.36 ppb 23× over EWG
Confirmed
0 MCLG EPA goal (unenforced)
Bromoform THM associated with higher organic content water and stronger bromination. NTP probable human carcinogen. Not detected at this location.
ND < 0.5 ppb detection limit Not detected. Instrument was calibrated to detect at 0.294 ppb. Clean result.
0.4 ppb EWG health guideline
< 0.5 ppb Not Detected
Not Detected
0 MCLG EPA goal (unenforced)
Dibromochloromethane The fourth regulated THM. Associated with reproductive effects in addition to cancer risk. Not detected at this location.
ND < 0.5 ppb detection limit Not detected. Instrument detection limit 0.216 ppb. Clean result.
0.4 ppb EWG health guideline
< 0.5 ppb Not Detected
Not Detected
60 ppb MCLG EPA standard
Section III
Heavy Metals & Inorganics
19 metals tested. 1 confirmed finding
Metals enter drinking water from two sources: the original water supply and in-home plumbing. Because this assessment tested both Cr-6 (a separate standalone test) and total chromium (as part of the Level 2 panel), together they provide a complete picture of metal contamination. 18 of 19 metals tested were below detection.
Analyte
Measurement & Significance
EWG Guideline
Your Result
EPA Standard
Hexavalent Chromium (Cr-6) The carcinogen from the film Erin Brockovich. Classified as a known human carcinogen by IARC when ingested. Distinct from total chromium. Requires separate, specialized testing via EPA Method 218.6.
0.39 ppb PPB · EPA Method 218.6 Detected at 3.9× the laboratory's own reporting limit, a confirmed and accurately quantified result. No federal limit for Cr-6 specifically. California's cancer-protective threshold is 0.02 ppb. Mechanism: direct DNA adduct formation in GI tract, liver, and systemic circulation. Only reverse osmosis effectively removes Cr-6 from drinking water.
0.02 ppb EWG / CA PHG
0.39 ppb 19.5× over EWG
Confirmed
No federal
Cr-6 limit Expected 2027
Lead No safe level. Causes irreversible neurological damage especially in children. Sources: lead service lines (pre-1986), lead solder in copper pipes, brass fixtures. This was a first-draw kitchen tap sample, the highest-risk collection method.
ND < 0.0004 ppm, first draw Not detected at this tap on this collection. Lead contamination can vary significantly by collection method and time of day. This result is reassuring and consistent with North Fork watershed protection, but does not eliminate lead risk in older homes with pre-1986 plumbing. Retesting under varying conditions is recommended for homes built before 1986.
0.001 ppb EWG health guideline
< 0.0004 ppm Not Detected
Pass
15 ppb EPA action level
Arsenic Known human carcinogen associated with bladder, lung, and skin cancers. Occurs naturally in bedrock geology and from industrial contamination. EWG's guideline is significantly lower than EPA's legal limit.
ND < 0.001 ppm Not detected. Clean result consistent with North Fork's protected watershed. Arsenic-bearing geology is more prevalent in other WNC formations; North Fork's granite catchment is protective.
0.0004 ppb EWG health guideline
< 0.001 ppm Not Detected
Pass
10 ppb EPA MCL
Mercury Neurotoxin. Affects kidney and nervous system. Sources: coal combustion fallout, industrial discharge. Duke Energy Asheville (Lake Julian coal ash site) is within the watershed region.
ND < 0.0008 ppm Not detected. Despite proximity to coal ash facilities, North Fork's source protection is effective for mercury. Clean result.
No guideline EWG
< 0.0008 ppm Not Detected
Pass
2 ppb EPA MCL
Barium Can cause elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular effects at high concentrations. Naturally occurring in some geological formations.
0.0037 ppm PPM Detected but well within all standards, at 540× below the EPA limit. No health concern at this level.
No guideline EWG
0.0037 ppm Well within limits
Pass
2 ppm EPA MCL
Section IV
Volatile Organic Compounds
55 compounds tested. 0 detected
VOCs include industrial solvents, fuel components, and chlorinated compounds used in manufacturing. This panel tested 55 compounds including benzene, TCE, vinyl chloride, carbon tetrachloride, and all regulated halogenated solvents. Every compound in this category was below the instrument detection limit. This is a comprehensive clean result reflecting the effectiveness of North Fork Reservoir's protected watershed status.
All 55 Compounds. Not Detected
Detection limits ranged from 0.123 ppb to 0.5 ppb depending on compound

Compounds tested and not detected include: Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, all Xylenes (BTEX group), Trichloroethylene (TCE), Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), Vinyl Chloride, Carbon Tetrachloride, 1,2-Dichloroethane, Methylene Chloride, all Trihalomethanes except Chloroform and Bromodichloromethane (reported in Section II), MTBE, and 40 additional regulated and monitored compounds. The absence of industrial VOCs is consistent with North Fork Reservoir's protected status and distance from major industrial contamination sources.

Methodology & Laboratory Information
Analytical Laboratories
Level 2 panel analyzed by Microbac Laboratories, Pittston, Pennsylvania. Hexavalent chromium analyzed by Enthalpy Analytical, Orange, California (California ELAP Certificate No. 1338, effective 11/1/2024, expires 10/31/2026). Both facilities operate under ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. All analyses performed using EPA-approved methods.
Collection Protocol
Sample collected March 18, 2026 from kitchen sink tap using first-draw protocol. Water was standing in pipes overnight with no flushing before collection. This method captures the highest-risk scenario for pipe leachates including lead and metals. Chain of custody maintained throughout collection and shipment per laboratory requirements.
Standards Referenced
EWG health guidelines sourced from Environmental Working Group Tap Water Database (2023). California public health goals sourced from California OEHHA (2011, 2020). EPA MCLs and MCLGs sourced from 40 CFR Part 141 (current). Human health risk data sourced from peer-reviewed literature including Villanueva et al. (2020) PMC7142415 and IARC Monographs.
Pangia
828-412-9278 · Asheville, NC
This report is prepared for informational and educational purposes. Results represent conditions at the time and location of sample collection. Water quality may vary by season, tap location, and distribution system dynamics. This document does not constitute medical advice. For protocol recommendations based on these findings, contact Pangia directly.