6.3.1 Inorganic chemicals

Inorganic chemicals in drinking water include metals and metalloids, usually occurring as dissolved salts, principally carbonates, chlorides and sulfates, attached to suspended material such as colloids and clay particles, or as complexes with naturally occurring organic compounds. Metals of concern can be released from plumbing products, in both dissolved and particulate form, via chemical or biochemical reactions (e.g. microbially-influenced corrosion) within the water and through physical abrasion of surfaces.

Unless otherwise stated, the guideline value refers to the total amount of the substance present, regardless of its form (i.e. both dissolved or particulate forms).