Numerous chemicals are found as contaminants in public water supplies which constitute potential public health hazards. The studies were designed to determine the early histopathological effects of two known water contaminants, 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) and 1,1-dichloroethylene (VDC), administered alone or in mixtures to laboratory rats. Both agents have been shown to cause cytotoxic responses in kidney and liver. Hepatic tissues were removed and prepared for quantitative electron microscopic studies. Significant changes were seen in cell, cytoplasmic and nuclear volumes, except in the high dose DCE group (600 mg/kg). Comparison of measured parameters of the single dosed animals with the mixed dosed exhibited the most significant differences in the lipid droplet compartment.