### Question
How does the law define contaminant?


### Answer
Under *7 U.S.C. § 5501*, **contaminant** is defined as:

> any matter which, in its original form or as a metabolite, degradation, or waste product, as a constituent of water may impair the quality of water or may have a potential adverse effect on human health or the environment

#### Citation:
  - *7 U.S.C. § 5501*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 86-WATER QUALITY RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND COORDINATION**

