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What is Mercury?
Mercury is a toxic metal which is generally industrial in origin. It is used in the manufacture of anti-fouling paints, plastics and paper-making. It is poisonous at high levels. The potential sources of mercury in drinking water are erosion of natural deposits, discharge from refineries and factories, run-off from landfills. In the Drinking Water Regulations, it is defined as a Chemical parameter.
What is an exceedance for Mercury?
The limit for Mercury set out in the drinking water directive is 1.0?g/l. Therefore, any result above this level is an exceedance for Mercury.
How would a Mercury exceedance occur?
The presence of inorganic Mercury in drinking water indicates pollution of the source.

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