Beryllium in Drinking Water
7,422Total Violations
54Health-Based
0Currently Active
EPA Limit: 0.004 mg/L
The EPA maximum contaminant level for beryllium is 0.004 mg/L.
Where Does Beryllium Come From?
Beryllium can enter water from industrial discharges, particularly from aerospace, defense, and electronics manufacturing. It also occurs naturally in some geological formations.
Health Risks
Long-term exposure may cause intestinal lesions. Beryllium is a known carcinogen when inhaled, though health effects from drinking water exposure are less well studied.
What Should I Do?
Activated alumina, coagulation/filtration, and ion exchange can remove beryllium.
States with Most Beryllium Violations
| State | Health-Based Violations |
|---|---|
| Arkansas | 46 |
| Nevada | 5 |
| Texas | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 |
| New Hampshire | 1 |